COME TO ME
ISAIAH 40:25–31; PSALM 103; MATTHEW 11:28–30
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” “Come” is a familiar word in scripture. “Come back to me; come and see; come follow me.” God continues to invite us, desiring what is best for us. How do we respond to his invitation?
He went further to say, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28). Rest is one of the attributes of God. Genesis 2:2 says, “On the seventh day, God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” The Psalmist tells us that He leads us to restful waters and revives our souls (Ps. 23:2). It is dangerous to work and not rest. It normally leads to organ breakdown. Learn to be in a state of grace; learn to rest so that eventually you can rest in peace.
Similarly, in the Gospel, Jesus expressed some other attributes of God: gentleness and humility. He says, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” Some of us are overburdened with work, others with pride, and while there are those doing everything possible to cover up their evil deeds, it’s neurotic and exhaustive. Be humble and find rest for your heart. Reject Satan’s yoke and take the yoke of Christ; it is easy and light. We are created in God’s image; let us strive to be like him in all things.
The first reading makes us understand that God is powerful and there is none like him. His invitation is life-giving and liberating. Young men said to be agile may go weary, but those who come to him (young or old) will find their strength renewed; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Let us go to him in faith and trust, and we shall not be disappointed.
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Lucy, who honored the invitation of God with her whole heart. She was put to death by the sword after she resisted being violated. This memorial can easily be harmonized with Advent themes. The very name Lucy pulsates with light, a living symbol amid the season’s darkness. Let us rise and shine as God’s light amidst the darkness of our time. She is the patroness of those with eye defects.
Let us pray.
May the glorious intercession of the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucy give us a new heart. We pray, O Lord, so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthday in this present age and so behold things eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
