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TODAY'S MEDITATION    

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2008 - FIFTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME

ISAIAH 26:7-9, 12, 16-19

The way of the just is smooth; the path of the just you make level.  Yes, for your way and your judgments, O LORD, we look to you; Your name and your title are the desire of our souls. My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you;
When your judgment dawns upon the earth, the world’s inhabitants learn justice

O LORD, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done.

O LORD, oppressed by your punishment, we cried out in anguish under your chastising.
As a woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pains, so were we in your presence, O LORD. We conceived and writhed in pain, giving birth to wind; Salvation we have not achieved for the earth, the inhabitants of the world cannot bring it forth. But your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise; awake and sing, you who lie in the dust. For your dew is a dew of light, and the land of shades gives birth.

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MATTHEW 11:28-30

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.” 

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Jesus invites us to find rest in him.  "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me."  A yoke was used to harness the oxen to the plow so the farmer could steer the oxen in the direction he wanted them to go as he plowed his field.  Jesus wants us to allow him to steer our lives.  He wants us to learn from him.  When we want to become the best at something we look for those who are the best teachers.  Athletes, if they want to compete in the Olympics seek out the best coaches in their sport.  If one wants to be the best in a specific field of discipline they will seek out the best in that field to teach them. 

Jesus tells us that if we want to find rest for our souls then we have to learn from him, for he is meek and humble of heart.  Meek and humble of heart!  That is where Jesus wants to steer us; toward more humility and meekness.  That is how we will find rest.  But how can we get ahead in this world if we are meek and humble of heart?  Well, we might not be able to depending on our careers.  But is the road to success the same one that will ease our burdens and help us find rest?  Probably not.  It is when we are content that we find rest.  It is when we are satisfied with what we have that our burdens are lessened.  As long as we are striving for more and more possessions, more and more wealth, more and more power, prestige, popularity, we will find life burdensome; we will continue to labor without rest.  When we realize we have enough and seek out ways to help those who don't, we will learn from Jesus how to be gentle and humble of heart.  We will also find rest. 

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Lord Jesus, teach me to be content with having enough that I may learn humility and gentleness.   Guide to a life that seeks to serve the needs of those who do not have enough rather that I may realize my own abundance.
 

  PAST MEDITATIONS

   Monday, July 7   Wednesday, July 9  Friday, July 11  Thursday, July 17