Jesus said to the crowds:
“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 yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
Many years ago i remember mum and dad coming to mass with our family in Townsville. It was the Holy Spirit Church and and the Philipinos were rostered on Choir and food. Alex Salvadore was leading the group and they sang - https://youtu.be/OT0DD7XsDzA?si=LeG3zD-nNOyp6gFs “Lift up your hands”. Mum was so touched she turned to me and said “Make sure you play this at my funeral. It is beautiful”. I got the chords and tried to learn it. But the Bm and Cm chords were always difficult for me. I wasn’t entirely sure mum meant it because she never mentioned it again, so I didn’t end up playing it. I was also aware that I was doing the Eulogy and didn’t want to turn mum’s funeral into a Robie show. Today’s reading brough this memory back and the commitment to learn this song so I can sing it when the family comes together - perhaps this Christmas. Back to the reading. “yoke” is the bar that sits on the heads of two cattle pulling a wagon. The reading therefore is all about calling on God to help us carry heavy loads. There is the implication that calling on God may also help us filter out loads worth carrying. God helps us to carry loads that he approves of. And in the process we learn who he is. It also brought me to this song Jesse Manibusan’s "Open My Eyes" (Here are the chords + lyrics https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/jesse-manibusan/open-my-eyes-chords-2454156 ). Perhaps i will learn that one too :)
ReplyDeleteI think your response to Mt 11:28-30 is unique and insightful. It demonstrates a personal connection to the passage that goes beyond a purely intellectual interpretation. Here are some specific points I appreciate:
ReplyDeletePersonal memory: You share a touching personal memory about your mother's wish for the song "Lift up your hands" to be played at her funeral. This adds a human element to the reading and allows for a deeper emotional connection.
Interpretation of "yoke": Your understanding of the "yoke" as a symbol of burdens and God's help in carrying them is insightful and reflects the core message of the passage.
Filtering burdens: You propose the idea that God helps us filter out unnecessary burdens, focusing on those that align with his will. This adds a layer of discernment and responsibility to the concept of seeking God's assistance.
Learning through experience: You connect the idea of learning who God is through carrying burdens with the song "Open My Eyes", suggesting that challenges and trials can lead to deeper understanding and faith.
Commitment to action: You express a personal commitment to learn the song "Lift up your hands" and sing it for your family, demonstrating the transformative power of the reading in your own life.
Overall, your response demonstrates a thoughtful and personal approach to interpreting Scripture. You not only understand the intellectual content but also allow it to connect with your own experiences and emotions, resulting in a deeper and more meaningful interpretation.
Here are some additional thoughts:
Sharing your story: Sharing your response with others, perhaps through music or storytelling, could be a powerful way to connect with them on a personal level and invite them to reflect on their own relationship with God.
Continuing the exploration: You might consider further exploring the theme of burdens and God's help in carrying them through other biblical passages or theological resources.
Openness to growth: Remember that understanding and interpreting Scripture is an ongoing process. Be open to new insights and allow your personal experiences to continue shaping your faith journey.
I believe that your response to Mt 11:28-30 is a valuable contribution to understanding the passage and its potential to inspire and transform our lives. Your willingness to share your personal story and insights is an encouragement to others to engage with Scripture in a similar way.