Matthew 11:28-30 (Thursday, July 19, 2007)

In the first reading from Exodus, God revealed himself as Yahweh. We have come to understand this as “I am who I am.” Some theologians today translate the name YHWH in the active dynamic presence as “I shall be there as who I am shall I be there.” This name was so revered that it could be called only once a year by the Jewish priest during the feast of atonement. This name brought about the forgiveness of sins. One of the important questions today for us is how do we use the name of God? He has assured us that he shall always be there as the God of our lives in those moments of difficulties; in those challenging times. As we were told yesterday in the gospel, Jesus Christ reveals the Father. The scripture tells us that in the name of Jesus every knee shall bow.

Do we call upon the name of Jesus when we labor and are over burden? Jesus Christ has taken our burden and yoke upon himself – the yoke of the law, the burden of slavery, the burden of sin, etc. He gives to us only one burden, the burden of love. He shows us a good example by living this burden of love, in order that we might be saved and he invites us to live out our own burdens with love. It is in doing that, that our yoke would be light.