I'm now a former runner. I've done over a dozen marathons, countless half marathons and even some ultra-marathons in my day. Unfortunately, my knees gave out a few years ago and I had to find other pursuits to keep me physically active. In the running community, there is a very popular Scripture verse that many rely on. It is part of today's first reading from Isaiah 40. "They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagle's wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint."
The Gospel reading today is very short from Matthew 11. Jesus said, "Com to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
We all reach points in our lives where we become weary. Perhaps you have been working for an extended time without a vacation. Or the pressures of life - work, family, ministry - just have ground you down. That's when we need to make these passages our own and act on them. So if you're due for a battery recharge, hope in the Lord and take it to Jesus. Break away and relax for a moment!
Father, help us to have the good sense to not burn the candle at both ends for too long. May we hope in you and find our rest in Jesus. Amen.
How about a battery recharge on a European river cruise? Join Gus and Michelle and Fr. Leo on the Seine River in June! Get details at www.GusLloyd.com.
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