Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Damasus I, pope
Matthew 11: 25-30
Come and Rest: Embracing Christ’s Gentle Wisdom”

Jesus offers an invitation that reveals the heart of His mission: “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.” Pope Francis emphasises this verse as a beacon of hope for the tired and marginalised, urging us to accept Christ’s simplicity and humility.

Jesus begins by praising the Father for revealing divine truths to “little ones” rather than the “wise and learned.” In this, the pope highlights a clear preference for the poor and humble, whose hearts are open to the wisdom of the Kingdom. The learned, constrained by their pride and arrogance, often fail to grasp the liberating message of Jesus. True understanding requires childlike trust and openness, which invite us to rest in God’s love.

The invitation to find rest in Christ speaks to all who are burdened by life’s struggles, whether from societal expectations, personal failures, or spiritual exhaustion. Pope Francis reminds us that Jesus does not impose oppressive demands. Instead, He offers a relationship rooted in gentleness and compassion. His yoke is light because it is borne in love and shared with others in community.

Christ’s “gentle and humble heart” stands in stark contrast to the rigidity of religious leaders who burdened the people with endless laws. Pope Francis calls on us to reject pride and instead embody Christ’s tenderness in our own lives. By doing so, we transform our communities into places of rest and renewal for others.

This passage challenges us to trust in the wisdom of God and to reflect it in our actions. When we come to Christ, we not only find rest for our souls but also learn to be instruments of His peace for others.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024