My Burden is Light

Matthew 11:25-30

        Francis of Assisi is considered one of the greatest saints of the Church.  He certainly is one of the most well known.  He was a man who dedicated himself to the poor and preached the gospel by his actions.  He renounced the material things and treasures of this world in order to live for the world to come.  In order to serve the poor he became poor and in order to live his faith he became obedient.

       St. Francis had the call we all have today, that is to love Jesus so profoundly we actually become “like” him in our actions, words and thoughts.  The Gospel of Matthew challenges us to be “childlike” as St. Francis was and accept the love of the Father as Jesus did.  We are called to humbly submit ourselves to his love.  When we do this the Father reveals to us what our purpose is and what makes us whole.  He reveals to us His will.  St. Francis discerned the will of God; we are called to do the same.

       There is a particular will of God for each one of us and a general will of God which is two-fold and the same for everyone who wants to follow Him.  We are called to take up our cross and “boast in the cross of Christ” as another saint (Paul) tells us in Ephesians.  That is, we are called to persevere in life, remain steadfast in our suffering and struggles and to never lose hope.  We are also called to come to Jesus, “all who are labored and burdened”, and he will give us 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."

       St. Francis’ greatest gift was to understand and accept the unfathomable love and mercy of Jesus.


He understood that Jesus was with him every step of the way, especially in his suffering.  That


revelation is what gave him the strength to persevere and continue on in times of suffering.  It gave


him the strength to abandon all to Jesus in hope and faith and to live a life of fulfillment, joy and


peace in service to others.  We are so blessed as Catholics to be able to receive these graces


ourselves, to have the opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus so we can do the same, in our


own particular way God calls us, to love and accept God’s love as Francis did.