From the Priest

"Come to me..."

     Peace! In today's Gospel (Mt. 11:25-30), the latter part speaks again of the loving invitation of Jesus which we know comes from the depths of His Most Sacred Heart.

     As we ponder on His words, let us reflect on just 2 points whom does Jesus address and what does He promise them?

• "Come to me all you who labor and are burdened...."

     Jesus address all who are in trouble physically (illness), materially (poverty), or perhaps psychologically (disappointments, failures, rejection). They are the ones usually in despair seemingly with no one else to turn to.

     Jesus gives thanks and praise to the Father for those who lives He has touched - the poor, simple and ordinary people who know very little and therefore put more faith and trust in God. They are most receptive to Him and His teachings which are hidden from those who trust in their ability to understand God's will and so reject His wonderful work revealed in the person and words of Jesus.

• "...and I will give you rest... For my yoke is easy and my burden light..."

     Jesus promises that if those who are burdened who need rest and be strengthened come to Him, He will refresh them and they will find rest in Him. In contemporary times, when we feel the weight of problems, both personal and national or world wide, we need someone who understans because He himself had undergone the same tribulations and rejection in His earthly life. On Him alone can we lean and find comfort and rest.

     Gentle and lowly of heart, He will not crush those who entrust themselves to Him and their Master. As His disciples, they are called to follow Him along the way of love, as He himself follow the Father in love. The yoke of Jesus is easy because it is carried with love, just as helping the poor becomes easy if done out of love.

Rev. Fr. Rufino P. Yabut

Parish Priest

SHJ-MBS Parish Church