SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
WEDNESDAY
Isaiah 40:25-31
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
Whenever I hear this text from Matthew 11, I find myself thinking about those people in my life who have shown me what it means to be ‘gentle and humble of heart’. There are many. Some of these people you wouldn’t necessarily notice in a group. You would be more likely to notice when they are missing. These people are graced with a solid sense of who they are. They image Christ for me. Sometimes, without realising it, I have sought out these people when I have felt over-burdened. I have come away lighter and at peace.
We intend to establish a school of the Lord’s service. In drawing up its regulations, we hope to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome.
Prologue, Rule of St Benedict
In the day-to-day ordering of his monastery St Benedict wants there to be an atmosphere of peace and harmony. His is a deeply incarnational spirituality where moderation and measure shape prayer and work. He knows very well that daily communal living provides enough ascesis in itself. He doesn’t add to this with rigorous fasts and ascetic practices. Of course, Benedict’s monastery isn’t a free for all where anything is tolerated. It is a school wherein you learn to serve as Christ served. Daily there are opportunities to choose to be ‘gentle and humble of heart.’ Advent reminds me to make this choice.
Where is Christ calling you to be gentle and humble of heart?