Category Archives: Psalm 145

A yoke of love and peace

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Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797 – 1861)
colour woodcut on Japan paper
Edo, 1847-1850
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

Jesus said, “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.” Matthew 11:28-30

Our burdens become lighter when we share them with Jesus and allow him to enlighten us about the source of our struggles and wounds. He opens our minds and hearts to receive and accept the good news that we are on a spiritual journey to deepen our true natures of love and goodness. We grow in likeness to him: merciful, slow to anger, kind, good, compassionate, faithful, humble, and of help to those who are suffering. We learn to carry this yoke of love and peace with grace and ease.

Today I will rest from worry. I will intentionally seek the company of Jesus and share my burdens with him. I will practice his way of peace, kindness, and love with everyone I encounter.

Made new in love

Nathan Harper Photograph, 2008

Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” John 13:34

When I wonder how to love, I look at the example of Jesus. Gracious. Merciful. Kind. Helping the poor, ill, dying, hungry, alienated, and lonely. Emptying himself of ego in order to be faithful to the will of God.

Today I will do my best to follow the example of Jesus in all of my daily activities. I will thank God for the grace to be made new as I embrace opportunities to love and accept all people as beloved of God.

Be good to all

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard
Oil on panel, 1637
The Hermitage

The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. Psalm 145:9

The Lord is my teacher, mentor, model. May I too be intentionally good to all. May I be compassionate toward the Earth, toward animals and insects and birds, and especially toward each member of the human family.

Today I will remember that all of creation is the work of God. I will treat God’s creation with respect and reverence.

Yoked to Jesus

Jesus said “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.” Matthew 11:28-30

Yoked to Jesus, I rest from the anxieties, worries, biases, prejudices, and injustice that flow in and around me. Yoked to Jesus, I let go of the burden of needing to have all the answers. Yoked to Jesus, I learn to be humble and teachable, and I move in the light and grace of the Lord’s unending love.

Today I will yoke myself to Jesus in gratitude and treat all people with mercy, compassion, and kindness.