The Yoke’s On You

Posted On July 8, 2009

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, 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 is light” (Mt 11: 28-30).

A few days ago I was reading the Gospel of Matthew with a friend, and when we came to this verse, I remembered an explanation I heard years ago from a great preacher, Fr. Bohdan Kosicki. As I related this to my friend, I realized again what a wonderful glimpse it gives into the importance of staying in right relationship with the Lord.

Fr. Bohdan explained that when a farmer had to train a young ox to pull a burden, he would harness him together with an old, experienced ox, using a wooden yoke. The older ox would walk along at a steady pace, but the younger one, “feeling his oats,” would lunge ahead, straining against the yoke. As a result, he had to pull the whole weight of the load, and was soon exhausted. Gradually his pace would lessen until he would lag behind the older, stronger animal, who was still keeping a steady pace. Each time he dropped a step behind, the yoke would hit him in the back of the head, forcing him to try to catch up. It didn’t take long before he learned to keep in step with the older ox.

The message is clear. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me. … For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” If we walk in step with the Lord, not running ahead or lagging behind, everything is easy, because His strength bears the load. If we run ahead, everything is hard, and we exhaust ourselves for no purpose. If we lag behind, it’s a pain in the neck.

It’s a lesson I need to remind myself of every day. Lord, help me to take your yoke upon me and learn from you. In everything I do, help me to let you take the lead and then walk in step with you.