Reflection
A yoke is a wooden beam that joins two animals so they can pull together. It is an odd image of rest. Jesus does not say, 'Put down all your work.' He says, 'Take my yoke.'
Farmers often paired a young ox with an experienced one. The older animal set the pace and bore most of the weight; the younger learned by walking alongside. Rest, in Jesus' picture, is not idleness — it is no longer pulling alone, and learning a different pace.
'Meek and lowly in heart' is the only place in the Gospels where Jesus describes his own heart. The one inviting you is gentle. Whatever you are carrying, you are invited to carry it next to him.
Apply it
Write down the three heaviest things you're carrying this week. Beside each, write one way you could carry it 'with' Jesus — a prayer, a boundary, asking for help.
Pray
Jesus, gentle and humble in heart, I am tired. Teach me your pace, and help me stop pulling alone. Amen.