The second semester of my second year of theology was particularly difficult. In general, second semesters always seem endless because they begin in the middle of winter and end toward the close of spring. That particular year, I was taking seven courses. At the same time, I was involved in a parish evangelization ministry, and the seminary had many extracurricular activities. As my schedule became increasingly busy, I began to neglect my prayer life. Before long, I found myself longing for a break.
A “Debtor to the Flesh”
I started to desire rest, but I understood it on my own terms: having nothing to do, enjoying unlimited time for myself, avoiding responsibilities, and maximizing moments of “fun” through sports, idle conversations, and similar activities. As St. Paul says, I was living as a “debtor to the flesh.” Not that these things are bad in themselves, but they certainly could not provide the rest I was truly longing for.
One day, during Mass at the seminary, when I was not expecting anything extraordinary, I heard the Gospel we have today—it happened to be the Gospel of that day’s liturgy. I was struck by the Lord’s words: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
I could easily relate to the first part of the passage. Was I laboring? Absolutely. Was I burdened? Without a doubt. But I had never really paid attention to the second part: “I will give you rest.” I was so focused on finding rest for myself that I completely overlooked the rest Christ was offering me.
Pray Seriously
I spoke with my spiritual director about this, and he said, “If you pray seriously for three days, you will discover that this Gospel is true, and you will taste the Lord’s rest.”
I obeyed, and he was right.
What had felt like an overwhelming burden from every direction gradually became much lighter. I was deeply touched by the Spirit of the Lord and experienced what St. Paul proclaims in today’s second reading: “The One who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
A Change Within
Nothing had changed externally. I still had the same seven courses to complete. The evangelization work was still demanding, and the extracurricular activities continued one after another. Yet everything had changed within me. My whole attitude was transformed. I began to experience the yoke of Christ—the yoke of God’s will—and I discovered for myself that “His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.”
I am sure all of you can identify with today’s Gospel. In one way or another, each of you is carrying burdens and growing weary under different yokes. Some of you may be weighed down by family difficulties: struggles with your children, tensions in your marriage, or painful misunderstandings. Others may be tired of a life in which nothing seems to change, where your efforts appear fruitless, leaving you frustrated or even angry. Still others may be oppressed by anxiety about the future—fear of financial responsibilities, uncertainty about your health, or the suffering that may lie ahead.
In short, I believe every one of us needs the rest that only God can give.
Courage
Take courage. Today’s readings reveal that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, precisely so that we might experience “a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light.” The Lord invites us to come to Him, to listen to His Word, and to allow the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts. Then we will discover that situations which once seemed unbearable become lighter because Christ carries them with us.
An Invitation
Like me, many of you may be waiting for a purely human solution or an easy escape from your difficulties. Instead, I invite you to place your trust in Christ’s promises. He is faithful. He has the power to transform your heart and help you recognize that your life is held within God’s loving plan. The yoke of God’s will is easy and light, not because it is free of suffering, but because Christ Himself has promised to help us carry it to the very end.
May the Lord help us all find the only true rest. May He fill us with His Holy Spirit so that, by putting to death the works of the flesh, we may experience the fullness of His life.
God bless you all.
