Rest for your Souls – Matthew 11:28-30 Reflection
To ask Jesus to carry the weight of all our problems would not be appropriate. For instance, we cannot expect miracles to resolve difficulties within our work environment. However, our efforts with prayer for peace while doing so can assist in resolving daily challenges. Then, what could Jesus mean when he said, “I will give you rest,” to lighten our burdens? Reading scripture, we often pick a phrase from a few verses that speak to us to support our perspectives. For instance, I lean towards the combination of human and divine using the principles of John of the Cross. Depending on your bible, the text in today’s scripture may be, “and you will find rest for your souls.” I believe the most significant part of the “rest for your souls” that Jesus refers to are the many flavors of evil that surround, tempt, distract, and push us down spiritually. Our friendship with Jesus will hold these vices at bay. We can rest and feel comfort in his love, peace, and light in His arms. This type of rest helps us face the tide of negatives that suppress our soul from surfacing as part of being both human and divine.
Jesus Commands the Apostles to Rest by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting)
More details are available at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 11:28-30 – Scripture*
28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 11:28-30 Reflection – Rest for your Souls
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the Matthew 11 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Rest for Your Souls
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