An unexpected call brought painful memories of another era in my life. Some years are just difficult. Multiple stressors enter our lives through sticky family relationships, work concerns or health issues.  World events  merge into our troubled lives. We find ourselves overwhelmed with responsibility and expectations.  

These last years have been collectively hard. We have lived through financial crises, the Covid pandemic and political upheaval . . . all taking a toll on us.

Trying to protect ourselves and those we love, we set up barriers, isolating ourselves into factions and tribes. No longer looking to a common set of facts, the political world has become even more venomous. What used to be a source of casual conversation, now becomes a place of bitter contention. Among touchy relationships, personal challenges and a dysfunctional society, it would be enough to despair.

Jesus, seeing the pressures, anxiety and strains, in the lives of that first century population, drew them to the center. *Reminding them, their lives were in the hands of a God who noted even a sparrow falling and clothed the lilies of the field with beauty. Then Jesus asked why do you worry, why do you doubt the love of your creator?

Jesus invited  them and us into a deeper relationship saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

When we are feeling overwhelmed, stretched to the breaking point, Jesus continues his invitation with a reminder, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Asking us to trust this is true, even for us, at this time and place . . . Offering a space of calm in whatever chaos swirls around us today.


*Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 10:29-31