The Institute for Christian Formation
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Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent
December 11, 2013
(optional memorial of Saint Damasus I, Pope)
Our Gospel today, Matthew 11:28-30, is a very well-known and beloved passage. Jesus tells all who labor and are burdened to come to him, and he will give them rest. We are to take on Jesus’ yoke, which is easy, and learn from him. If you have ever seen animals that are “yoked,” your first thought might be that it is not a comforting sight. Who wants that yoke upon their shoulders? Who wants to be bound in that manner? But then realization seeks in. With the two animals yoked together, neither has to carry the entire burden alone – it is shared equally. And the yoke ensures that both animals move in tandem. Now picture the burdens you carry. Isn’t it comforting to know that you are not carrying these alone – you are
Our readings today are full of comfort, hope, and encouragement. Our First Reading, Isaiah 40:25-31, tells us that those who hope in the Lord will be renewed in strength and will not grow faint or weary. Our God, who is the eternal creator of all that is, will give us strength and vigor.
Since this passage speaks of God the creator, there is a lovely children’s pop-up book, “The Creation” by Brian Wildsmith. See if it is available from your local library, or purchase it online. It would make a great Christmas gift!
December 11 is also the optional memorial of Saint Damasus I. Damasus lived in the fourth century and was our 37th pope, serving as pontiff from 366 until his death in 384. He was the first pope to refer to Rome as the “Apostolic See.” He also encouraged Saint Jerome to produce the Vulgate (Latin translation of the Bible.) Learn more about today’s saint below.
yoked to Jesus. If we turn to Jesus and yoke ourselves to him, our burdens and cares become much lighter as we walk in tandem with our Lord.
This past Thursday, December 5, we learned about reflecting on Scripture using the lectio divina method of reflection. Here you can find a lectio divina reflection from the Carmelites for today’s Gospel.
You might also enjoy the musical reflection below by John Michael Talbot.
Feast (optional memorial) of Saint Damasus I, Pope
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Man at the Plough (L'homme à la charrue), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 5 3/8 x 5 5/16 in. (13.7 x 13.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.74
