Second Wednesday of Advent
Matthew 11:28-30
It is easy to identify with this passage. We all feel heavily burdened and weary at times in our life (perhaps especially so in the weeks leading up to Christmas). Gifts to buy, arrangements to consider, errands to run. Yes, we are all pressed and stressed and tired.
Who is most burdened in our world, though? While engaging in debates about whose suffering is greater or greatest does not help solve suffering, it is important to recognize the burdens others endure from which we are immune. For white people to recognize the centuries of burden living under white supremacy has inflicted upon Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. For men to recognize the struggles, unequal treatment and opportunity, and harassment that women endure in our society. For straight and cis-gender folks to recognize the ways our culture excludes and otherizes gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer folk.
Jesus, however, invites all who are weary and burdened, regardless of what that burden is, to come and find rest.
He ends this passage with the paradoxical statement: “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” A yoke, by definition, sits upon the shoulders in order for one to pull the plow. A burden, by definition is a weight that one must bear. Jesus is not promising we will bear no burdens or be free to disregard the work to which we are called.
Rather, he is promising that the burdens we take on in his name are life-giving rather than soul-crushing. They are light because they are carried in empathetic solidarity that recognizes the struggles of others and seeks their liberation, even as we find ourselves truly seen and valued and stood up alongside.
Jesus does not promise a life of privilege, with no cares or responsibility. He promises instead freedom in our calling to follow him, that we will find rest and freedom in following him and working towards the beloved kin-dom of God, yearning for the fulfillment of the Advent promise.
