Yoke represents the communitarian aspect of Christian life and Challenges

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 11:25-30*

*First Reading : Zec 9:9-10*

*SECOND READING - Rom 8:9, 11-13*

*Yoke represents the communitarian aspect of Christian life and  Challenges*

*1) Yoke Needs two oxen*

All of us are very familiar with the Yoke 

Yoke is primarily used for bringing two oxen together for ploughing the field 

With one ox, yoke can't be used. Yoke always needs two ox 

*2) Yoke Shares the responsibility*

Yoke practically divides the burden. Yoke has the capacity for dividing the Burden and helping the oxen in rendering their service

By didving the burden, the work becomes easy and one is filled with better hope to commit oneself for the particular mission 

By diving the burden the work efficiency better and we are supported by our partner to continue the mission, even in the midst of many challenges

*3) Christian Spirituality and Life is like a Yoke*

Christian way of life, places us on heavy demands to follow Jesus 

Such demands can't be fulfilled by our own efforts. We need the support of others 

While carrying out the responsibilities of Christian spirituality and Christian life, the image of Yoke, fills us with courage and hope, because this image helps us to share our burden 

In other words the image of yoke tells us that we are not alone in striving towards, building the Kingdom of God 

*4) The Other Partner for the Yoke*

Yoke always represents the two oxen or Persons 

If one side is occupied by me, who is the other partner who helps me in my Journey? 

The other partner could be the following

Jesus my Friend 

My teachers 

My family members

My friends 

My Children

My colleagues

*5) The Spiritual partners for the Yoke*

For a Christian there are plenty of Spiritual partners to lighten the burden and to share the place of the Yoke 

My prayer life 

The sacraments

The Scriptures

Various devotions

Good deeds 

Gospel values 

Sacrifices, generosity 

*6) Take My Yoke*

Jesus tells us to take His yoke. This is a challenges as well as the opportunity for a Christian

Jesus' Yoke comes in the following way 

The Cross

Forgiveness

Simplicity

Generosity

Sacrifice

Love 

Service 

*7) Yoke needs two similar Beings*

Two oxen is necessary. One ox and one horse can't suite 

Likewise when Jesus gives us His yoke, we should have the similar quality to share this yoke and to share the burden

If there is different quality then yoke becomes a instrument of irritation than sharing of the burden 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*