WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 3
• Jesus is referring to a two-oxen yoke. He presumably is the stronger and bigger ox, so to speak, and we are invited to be the other. Our burdens in life have become unbearable because we chose to haul them by ourselves. We quickly got exhausted and lost.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
A CONCLUDING IMAGE: Read the Reflection; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233).
(After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)
• Matthew 11: 28-30 offers us an apt image to express St. Ignatius' understanding of perfect freedom in God's service that he offers in the Spiritual Exercises: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
A CONCLUDING IMAGE: Read the Reflection; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233).
(After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)
• Matthew 11: 28-30 offers us an apt image to express St. Ignatius' understanding of perfect freedom in God's service that he offers in the Spiritual Exercises: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
Dear Father, life is so much easier with You, for you are at the helm. Thank You for the opportunity to pick up the yoke, the teachings have been an adventure.
• This passage has comforted and strengthened many a disciple shouldering unbearable burdens. We are invited to approach Jesus with our burdens, presumably to be relieved of them. He asserts that He will refresh us by substituting his yoke and burden for ours. He concludes with the notion that our souls will find rest in bearing his burden that is light, and shouldering his yoke that is sweet.
• This passage has comforted and strengthened many a disciple shouldering unbearable burdens. We are invited to approach Jesus with our burdens, presumably to be relieved of them. He asserts that He will refresh us by substituting his yoke and burden for ours. He concludes with the notion that our souls will find rest in bearing his burden that is light, and shouldering his yoke that is sweet.
Thank You Father for removing the burden from my shoulders and giving me Your yoke with You leading the way. Life is so much more rewarding today and whatever comes is within our ability to handle it.
• Jesus is referring to a two-oxen yoke. He presumably is the stronger and bigger ox, so to speak, and we are invited to be the other. Our burdens in life have become unbearable because we chose to haul them by ourselves. We quickly got exhausted and lost.
Covenant relationship is a tremendous gift Father, especially when we are yoked together, moving in the same direction.
• However, when we pull our burdens together with Jesus, they essentially become His. They are now lighter because Jesus is pulling with us. In having Him as our constant servant-companion, we can haul any load and bear any burden. This is clearly St. Ignatius' message in The Spiritual Exercises. The formula for perfect freedom in God's service lies in being in covenant relationship with Jesus who has become our Teacher, Savior, Lord, and God!
• However, when we pull our burdens together with Jesus, they essentially become His. They are now lighter because Jesus is pulling with us. In having Him as our constant servant-companion, we can haul any load and bear any burden. This is clearly St. Ignatius' message in The Spiritual Exercises. The formula for perfect freedom in God's service lies in being in covenant relationship with Jesus who has become our Teacher, Savior, Lord, and God!
Help me live in Covenant relationship with You Lord, being equally yoked, neither pulling ahead or falling behind. You are the keeper of my soul.
What is God saying to you? Live in the moment, not everything will fall into place as you see it but it will as I see it. Nothing happens without my knowledge and when we are teamed together, you are prepared.
What is God saying to you? Live in the moment, not everything will fall into place as you see it but it will as I see it. Nothing happens without my knowledge and when we are teamed together, you are prepared.
Prayer time does not always happen at peaceful times, in moments of quiet contemplation. But with a well formed conscience and prayer life, being equally yoked and doing the will of the Father, your life becomes a prayer. Keep this in mind when your plans get disrupted and you just go with it. Live in peace with God.
Dear Father, I thank You for these past two days, things did not all go as planned in advance but they did allow me to see how prayer isn't just as I thought it should be. Thank You for working all things out, for giving me an equally yoked partner who makes the days easier. Prayers of thanksgiving for all that You are doing, make us aware of Your Omnipotent Presence in all of life's situations. And when given the opportunity may we speak of You in everyday events. In Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Mirror of Justice, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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