Saturday August 1, 2020
Susan Mennel
REST
One exhausted night about two years ago, I realized that there was a passage in the Bible
that I didn’t understand at all.
Of course there are other Bible verses I don’t understand. But this passage was extremely important, and I knew it by heart, and had often sung it to the glorious musical setting of Handel’s Messiah.
So it came as a shock to realize that I suddenly had no idea what the words I knew so well really meant. And the words are those of Jesus himself:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11: 28-30
Rest? Easy yoke? Light burden? Rest for the soul? Maybe for the laboring body, too?
It’s revolutionary, isn’t it? It’s definitely not the way of the Swedish pioneers I grew up with. It’s definitely not the American way, either, where “laziness” is scorned.
It’s definitely not my way, either. I worry way too much about getting work done. My yoke seldom feels easy, nor does my burden often feel light. What am I doing wrong?
Our members’ Reflections are always a blessing, but I read this week’s daily offerings on “Rest” with particular interest, looking for an answer to my own question. Each Reflection was a beautiful blessing. I think I’m beginning to see the light, or more accurately, the Light.
I hope the writers know that in sharing their insights and experience on “Rest,” they were truly doing the Spirit’s work, exactly as this gospel passage describes the Lord’s gracious invitation to each of us.