Dec 11 2024

First reading Isaiah 40:25-31

The Lord strengthens the powerless

‘To whom could you liken me

and who could be my equal?’ says the Holy One.

Lift your eyes and look.

Who made these stars

if not he who drills them like an army,

calling each one by name?

So mighty is his power, so great his strength,

that not one fails to answer.

How can you say, Jacob,

how can you insist, Israel,

‘My destiny is hidden from the Lord,

my rights are ignored by my God’?

Did you not know?

Had you not heard?

The Lord is an everlasting God,

he created the boundaries of the earth.

He does not grow tired or weary,

his understanding is beyond fathoming.

He gives strength to the wearied,

he strengthens the powerless.

Young men may grow tired and weary,

youths may stumble,

but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength,

they put out wings like eagles.

They run and do not grow weary,

walk and never tire.

Responsorial Psalm 102(103):1-4,8,10

O bless the Lord, my soul!
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
O bless the Lord, my soul!
He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
O bless the Lord, my soul!
Merciful and gracious is the Lord,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
O bless the Lord, my soul!

Gospel Matthew 11:28-30

My yoke is easy and my burden light

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

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Rest

“…those who hope in the Lord renew their strength, they put out wings like eagles, they run and not grow weary, walk and never tired” (1st reading). In this society where power and efficiency are valued, weakness, powerlessness, and tiredness are seen as flaws. We often feel the pressure to appear strong and in control of situations, and we focus on doing things for others. However, when we need help, we struggle to ask for it and hesitate to show others that we are unable to cope. Today’s passages invite us to realise that we are weak and tired and that it is okay. In the first reading, God is the source of our strength, offering us comfort and support in our moments of vulnerability.

“Come to me, all of you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest”. Jesus wants to give us rest, but we must first acknowledge our tiredness and our need for Him. He is ready to give us the rest that uplifts us and allows us to be renewed with a strength that is not our own.

Reflective question:
What is Jesus’ message for me in this time of prayer?

Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.