The Gospel from Matthew 11:28-30 is a balm to my soul. It seems to appear just when I need the reminder to rest again, to hand my burdens to the Yoke-Bearer, and to learn a valuable lesson. I came to Jesus today a number of times but mostly in Adoration. I went to the chapel that has 24-hour Adoration again today and the time passed so quickly that I stayed much longer than I had expected. I went home and took a nap.

Jesus invites us to come when we are weary and carrying heavy burdens and He will give us rest. That was true today as I offered up my physical fatigue. I also placed within His Sacred Heart two relationships in need of healing. One is on the mend; the other I suddenly realized that I may not wish to re-establish. That burden seemed gone today.

Prior to going to the chapel I had an appointment with a dietician at CancerCare. We talked for over an hour. I only had a few questions upon my arrival but the dialogue was great and affirming. It did my heart good to listen to her. She did much more than counsel me about eating habits and dietary needs. She is the second person to say that I may feel tired for a year before I start to feel “normal” again. I think I am making a remarkable recovery and yet on days like today I realize I cannot yet quite carry on a full day of activities without crashing. These are the times that I have to say whoa! That is a challenging restriction for someone who usually carries on like the Energizer bunny. I am learning from Jesus who needed to take breaks, retreat to a silent place, and fall asleep at snatched moments in places like boats where he could rejuvenate. Jesus teaches me that I do not need to be a superwoman. If I yoke myself to Jesus, the burden will be light.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What heavy burden are you carrying right now?
What can Jesus teach you to help you manage it?

Prayer

Jesus, yoke me to you
for I do not even have the energy
to ask you to do so
I do not need a magic wand
to make everything better
I simply need to surrender to you
You who are gentle and humble of heart
will teach me a better way
Yoke me to you
My burden will be lifted
My soul will find rest
Thank you, Yoke-Bearer.

Amen.