A Simple Request

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).

This quote reminds me of the invitation that Christ extends to us over and over again. He makes no demands, he beckons us and offers comfort. Jesus wants us to find renewal in him, nourishment in his teachings. He places no conditions on this request. There is no hidden fine print.

As adults we are often suspicious of things which are offered to us. We frequently wonder why we received this invitation or that gift. If something arrives completely unsolicited and unexpected the questions can increase. As adults we spend much of our time applying little bits of information that we have already learned to new situations. In many ways it is a natural response. Curiosity is natural; suspicion is learned.

Adults are good at make decisions and pretending to make decisions. We are good at talking about this and that subject. Our lives are filled with all types of problems which we may or may not be able to solve. Our lives contain different types of difficulties. We share different secrets with our friends, loved ones, families.

We all have burdens; sometimes we publicly pretend not to have any problems or cares. Men are famous for doing that. We have to project strength, be stoic, non-emotional. Jesus sees all this and more. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He knows when we need encouragement.

Patiently, Jesus invites each of us to stop what we are doing, to relax. Jesus sees us straining with our personal problems and concerns. He offers to help if we simply allow him.

Sometimes we allow ourselves to become too busy with the day to day routines of our lives to take time to pray, to praise God, and to thank God for all the good things he has given to us.

When we hear his invitation, do we respond? Do we just continue doing whatever we were doing and going where ever we were going? Do we even allow ourselves a moment to stop?

Personally, it is sometimes difficult to stop. But, I am trying to learn how to approach God a little more innocently, a little more childlike. I do not have to provide all the answers. I do not have to play devil’s advocate. I simply have to believe and make time for Christ in my life. I need to approach Christ with the curiosity of a child.

Being Catholic means always learning something new about the wonders of God and then sharing what you have learned. We must always remain teachable to receive and share God’s love. Our hearts and minds have to always be alive in the grace of God, building our faith, inspiring our hope in the goodness and love of God.