Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

July 18, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071824.cfm

Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

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It is not that Jesus’s listeners are unfamiliar with being “yoked” – irrevocably tied to burdens and labor. But the yoke Jesus offers is different. Choosing it, they will be tied to him in learning his way of peace and love. When these gifts fill one’s heart, life’s weight is lightened. When we abide in such proximity to Jesus, the journey is easy.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:

We listen to Jesus’s invitation, “Come …”. What is it that we are trying to carry without the help of his grace? Let’s tie those burdens to Christ’s love and open our hearts to learn from him.

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Poetry: spring song by Lucille Clifton

the green of Jesus
is breaking the ground
and the sweet
smell of delicious Jesus
is opening the house and
the dance of Jesus music
has hold of the air and
the world is turning
in the body of Jesus and
the future is possible

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Music: My Yoke is Easy – John Michael Talbot

All who are weary come unto Me
All who find life a burden
I will refresh you
Your soul will find rest
For My yoke is easy
And My burden is light

Take my yoke on your shoulders and learn
For I am gentle and humble
I will refresh you
Your soul will find rest
I am gentle and humble of heart

My yoke is easy
My burden is light
Your soul will find rest
Take My yoke on your shoulders and learn
I am gentle and humble of heart

Come unto Me
Your soul will find rest
My yoke is easy
My burden is light
I am gentle and humble of heart

All who are weary come unto Me