The Word at the center of our faith
is no secret knowledge,
no law or demand
that sets the righteous apart from the reprobate.
It is an invitation:
“Come to me,
you who are weary and heavily burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in spirit,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
The giver of all life speaks to you,
one in whose presence your soul is at rest.
You are given rest
whether you feel it or not.
Set down your burdens.
Follow the voice.
This is faith, not that you believe,
but that you come.
Be with the One who Wants You.
Give in.
And if it seems too vain a hope
that there is actually anybody there,
just live as if it were true.
Try on the yoke of love,
and know that you are yoked.
Bear the burden of light,
and know it doesn’t come from you.
Watch for the One who learns beside you.
Seek whatever presence in the world
might say such words as these,
and you will meet the one who does.
[Matthew 11.28-30]
—July 5, 2017