'Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy-burdened; you shall find rest.'

What are the labours that I am involved with as I try to pray today? What are the burdens I am carrying? As I enter into prayer, I take this moment to place all my concerns and all my burdens in God’s hands.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 11:25-30

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.’

Today’s feast day celebrates Catherine of Siena. We remember a woman who accepted the invitation of the Gospel with all her heart. Her writings overflow with joyful intimacy with Christ. She once described Jesus as a “gentle bridge” between heaven and earth - strong enough to bear our struggles.

How does Catherine’s image of Jesus speak to you?

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus rejoices that the Father is revealed not to the powerful or clever, but to little children. He reaches out to those gathered around him - workers, the poor, and those who are persecuted or excluded.

“I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Let these words settle in your imagination.

What might this invitation mean to you today?

As you listen to the passage again, consider what you might wish to place onto Jesus’ shoulders.

Matthew 11:25-30

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.’

“Come to me… learn from me… my yoke is easy and my burden light.” In the ancient world, a yoke held two animals together - recalling an image of Jesus walking beside us in the work of life. In this time of prayer, share with the Lord whatever is on your heart today.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen