Opening Prayer
I reflect on the tortuous ways I have walked and the restlessness of my heart. I have tossed and turned on this uncomfortable bed of a world—upon my back, my sides, and my belly—seeking rest in foreign things but finding only hardness.
Settle me in your own way, Lord. Carry me to the end of my journey and let my restless heart finally find its home in you, for you have made us for yourself and our hearts will know no quietude until they rest in Thee.
Amen.
Matthew 13:44-46
44The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. 46Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it.
St. Robert Bellarmine
St. Robert Bellarmine evaluates Christ’s command: “Take my yoke… for it is easy.” St. Ignatius of Loyola, the soldier-saint, likens it to the “yoke of the world” (ambition, pride) from the “yoke of Christ” (love). Bellarmine notes that this yoke “doesn’t weary, but gives rest” because it is founded on the first and great commandment. St. Robert Bellarmine reminds us that “the reward is great for those who keep your commandments”. Are you still “weary” from your own yoke, or have you taken up the yoke of Christ?
The first and great commandment refreshes the soul because it caresses rather than oppresses. This divine requirement benefits the one who obeys rather than the God who commands, for the reward of the commandment is the love of God itself.
“Serving God is not a burden but a refreshment. The yoke of love “caresses rather than oppresses,” for the reward of serving God is nothing less than God Himself.”
— St. Robert Bellarmine
Mary and the Magisterium
Serving God is often seen as a burden, but St. Robert Bellarmine reminds us that His yoke is easy. This yoke is simply the “first and great commandment” to love. Mary’s life was the embodiment of this “sweetness”. She did not serve as a “slave”, but as a child and friend. By loving the “Source of all beauty”, she transformed the “burden” of her unique vocation into a crown of life.
- Is my service to God a "refreshment" or a "burden"?
- Do I believe that the "reward prepared" for me is "greater than I can imagine"?
Closing Prayer
Lord, Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. Give rest to my soul.
Amen.
