My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light

Sunday, July 5th, 2026, Proper 9

Jesus said to the crowd, “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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 11:16-19, 25-30

There were many photographs from and of the Statue of Liberty yesterday. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddles masses yearning to be free" sounds so much like, "come to me all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens." The goodness and intention of our Creator is freedom and rest, a gentle yoke and the wisdom of loving kindness. As much as I love this country, I am too aware of all the folks we don't welcome and don't ease their burdens. May we, faithful people, follow Jesus, by helping to lighten burdens, welcoming the stranger and given them the space to thrive.

Gracious Creator, you have blessed so many

and yet there are too many yearning still.

Precious Saviour, please make us like you, gentle and humble of heart.

We do not see the need nearby and far

and we call folks enemies that are neighbors.

Precious Saviour, please make us like you, gentle and humble of heart.

We lift up our symbols of freedom and equality

while some are still turned away at our doors. 

Precious Saviour, please make us like you, gentle and humble of heart.

You, O Lord, are love, liberty and gracious rest

and we are called to lighten burden and make welcome.

Precious Saviour, please make us like you, gentle and humble of heart.

Give us eyes to see your blessings around us

and courage to reach out in welcome to strangers.

Precious Saviour, please make us like you, gentle and humble of heart.

For your yoke is easy and your burden is light

and we are your disciples carrying your love.

Precious Saviour, please make us like you, gentle and humble of heart. Amen.