Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

07-09-2017HomiliesDeacon Patrick Toilolo

In our gospel reading we hear Jesus say, "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."

A yoke is a piece of wood or metal placed over the necks of two animals walking side-by-side. It keeps them in line when plowing a field. Instead of being independent the animals become dependent on each other. They must depend on each other to save their own neck. If one of the animals runs ahead or sideways, then both get a stiff neck.

What Jesus is saying to us in the gospel is let's walk together side by side and I will teach you. Yes, there will be times when you want to be independent but depend on me, trust me and I will give you peace and you will find rest.

Jesus' words became most evident in our families lives when our son, Nimo was in the hospital and died after 10 months. It was during this time we had to yoke ourselves even more closely to our Lord and allow him to lead and guide us through this time, through this season in our lives. When we did yoke ourselves more closely to Jesus we did find peace, we did find rest.

Do we miss our son? Yes, of course. But we are at peace because we know that it is only for a short time and we will see him again. Nimo is in the best hands possible.

Let us yoke ourselves more closely to Jesus and let him lead us, let him direct our paths so that we can rest in him and find the peace, not of this world, but the inner peace that only comes from Him.

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