July 18, 2024, Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time-B

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

Psalm 102

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28

Lord, I don’t need to list for you all that burdens my heart.  You see it very clearly.  While so many others suffer much more that I, my fears and anxieties are real.  Your word today is an offer of release from these burdens by giving them to you.  You tell us your yoke is easy.  Yokes sound like work.  I believe that we must work for that for which we pray.  Just knowing you are pulling on the other side of the yoke gives me comfort.  Just knowing you share my troubles and worries encourages me to keep at it.  You put a lot of value on perseverance.  So, help me, Lord, today to persevere in my trust in you as the way, the truth and the life.  Life will continue to be a struggle but with you at my side it will not overwhelm me.  Because of your cross we believe that we are victors and will win in the end.  So, Lord, I release to you all that pushes me down or holds me back.  What a relief! Amen.