Make the journey about Him

In today’s readings, we are reminded that God very much understands us, maybe even more than we know. He understands that we are weak and do not understand His greatness because it is beyond our human comprehension. Yet, He reaches out to us, He guides us, He consoles us and, if we let Him, He strengthens us.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us:

“Come 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.”

As we lead up to this Christmas season, many of us are burdened, stressed and overtaxed. Many of us suffer with depression, anxiety, and falling prey to all manner of temptations due to our “weakness”. This weakness is often brought on by the pressures of what we have allowed the season to become in our lives. It can be for many an endless stream of spending, social events and over-commitments which lead to us feeling exhausted and unhappy.  

This Advent, let’s give those burdens to Him, let’s bring Him into our daily struggles as an offering to Him. This offering He is only too happy to receive. Jesus wants us to journey with Him this Advent, let’s make the journey about Him.

Points to ponder:

• What I can do differently this Advent to pick up Jesus’ yoke and really enjoy the anticipation of the season?
• What will I not do this Advent leading into Christmas that has caused stress in the past?
• How will I offer something everyday this Advent to Jesus?

Jim O’Day is the Executive Director of Integrity Restored, a not for profit organization providing training , education and resources to clergy, parents, clinicians, spouses and individuals for dealing with pornography addiction.