Morning Message: May 8

Today we will hear an invitation from Jesus.  Jesus wants the people to come to him, and he extends that same invitation to us.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

“Come to me, all you that 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.” 

Think about this silently in your heart.  What is troubling you?  Can you bring that to Jesus in prayer?

In the reading today, Jesus says for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  A yoke is an animal harness or wooden frame placed usually on two oxen to help pull something.  The reason Christ’s yoke is easy for us to carry is because he is carrying it with us, and taking most of the weight.

Does that mean that if we will ask him, God will take all of our burdens or troubles away?  No, but he will help us.  In fact, some of our struggles may help us to grow and become stronger.  They may also help us to learn to trust in Jesus.  But when the load is too heavy, he will help us to carry it -- and there is no burden that is too heavy for Jesus.

We can speak with Jesus as we would with any friend, sharing our joys, our struggles, our hopes, and our fears.  In fact, that is what we do every morning when we pray the Morning Offering.  We say, “I offer You all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day.  Jesus never grows tired of listening to us and constantly renews us with the gift of his love.  Jesus promises that when we are troubled, if we turn to him he will help us. Let us take him at his word.

Loving God, Jesus understood that sometimes we are tired or sad or frustrated.  Help us to turn to you at those times, and to trust that you will give us the strength we need and that you are there to help us carry the load.  We ask this in Christ Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Boys and girls, don’t forget that this Sunday is Mother’s Day.  Mother’s Day celebrates motherhood and is a day to make an extra-special effort to recognize and appreciate your mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, stepmother or a mother figure.  Whether we shower her with gifts, fix her a fancy dinner or make her a homemade card, what moms want most is to be surrounded by the love of her family.  Knowing the people they love are safe, sound, and healthy is a mom’s number one priority. 

Dear Lord, Please watch over and support all mothers on earth and in heaven…and help them to know how much they are loved and appreciated on Mother’s Day and every day.  Amen.

I wish all the moms a happy mother’s day.  Have a beautiful weekend!