“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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:29-30 NIV
Sometimes it seems like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. Assignments at school or at work, combined with chores around the house and debts owed can seem overwhelming. It may be that we have gotten in over our heads and taken on too much, either voluntarily or by demanding bosses or teachers who think our lives should be devoted wholly to them. Sometimes we have to say “Enough!” and let others know that there are limits to what we can do. We may also just need to ask for help. Lightening your load in this way can be helpful. But perhaps what Jesus was saying in the above-quoted passage from Matthew is more along the lines of living a simple life and not being burdened by all the daily hassles that come our way. Most of us don’t really need to worry about where our next meal will come from or whether we have enough clothes to keep us warm. But if we’re focused on amassing wealth or achieving fame in some endeavor then our lives will certainly come with more worries.
Religious men and women take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience at least in part because it simplifies their lives. Consider doing the same in your life and see if it doesn’t ease your burden.
–Christopher Simon
