Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, ‘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.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

These words from Matthew's Gospel have been known in the Anglican Communion Service (Eucharist or Mass) as 'The Comfortable Words' for centuries and are still found in the 'Book of Common Prayer' and the 'Common Worship Service Book' today. On the death of Henry VIII, with his son Edward coming to the throne in 1547, a number of changes were made to Services in the Church of England. Holy Communion would now be administered through bread and wine, not just bread, and a new Order for the Communion Service appeared in 1549, produced by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer along with a committee of six bishops and some academics.

This was intended as an English language insert into the Latin Mass, and it put into English those things the ordinary people should be able to understand in their own language. 'Come unto me all that travail and be heavy leaden, and I shall refresh you' were the words spoken by the priest after the confession and absolution. They might sound a little odd to us today, but they must have made a huge impact on the people who first heard them spoken in their own language.

These words have continued in the revisions of the Prayer Book over the years, and they bring a great sense of peace to those feeling stressed or worried. Jesus offers to take our burdens upon Himself, if we let Him. We don't have to carry the weight of the world upon our shoulders. However, it's a shame the words that follow were not included: 'Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me...for my yoke is easy.' This is a two-way commitment. Jesus will take our burdens from us, and in return we seek to follow His commands.

Lord Jesus,
when life gets difficult
and we cannot cope alone,
You promise to take our burdens from us.
Help us to ask for Your help,
and in return take upon ourselves
Your loving commands.
Amen.