THE WORD
Is 40,25-31 / Mt 11,28-30
“Come to me,” Jesus invites us, “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 your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
IN OTHER WORDS
Climbing for the first time the mountains to Sitio Yangka, in Capas, Tarlac, where a community of our Aeta brothers and sisters live, was an unforgettable experience. I had mixed feelings: enthusiastic and excited to reach the mountain top and see how the place looked; afraid and anxious at the thought of falling, getting bruised or having broken bones and consequently, ending my new mission among the indigenous people.
It did not dawn on me that I might die. In my heart and mind, I was being led by Jesus and surrounded by His angels on my way up. True enough, I reached the plateau safely with the aid of fellow climbers who took turns assisting me. They were the angels of God in disguise.
Joy, peace, relief! A feeling of being loved filled my being. Tired and sweating I lied down for some moments in the staff house. It was then when I heard Jesus’ sweet invitation: “Come to Me.
Take your rest, relax. I’m happy that you are here with Me in this place. Welcome home.” Lying at on the bamboo floor, I closed my eyes and savored those assuring words. My heart was singing of relief from the burdens of fear, anxiety and doubts that day. From then on, “Come to Me” had become my mantra in whatever situation I was in. It was not a command but a gentle persuasion to be with Jesus; a gesture of welcome and total acceptance; a generous offer of 100% presence by Someone who cares without condition.
“Come to Me”. Heed Jesus’ words and experience Him lifting any kind of burden you are carrying, setting you free to soar like an eagle with renewed strength to carry on.
- Sr. Sister Flora Mallari, SSpS | Holy Spirit Aeta Mission, Tarlac
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
