“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened.” This beautiful passage from Matthew’s Gospel (11:28) serves as the theme for Catechetical Sunday and is an invitation from Jesus to go to him without hesitation or fear. It offers comfort through a promise from Jesus that no matter what is going on in our lives, Jesus always remains present with each and every one of us.
That Scripture passage goes on to say, “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.” This candor from Jesus can be appreciated for being realistic. He isn’t saying come to me and I will make your burdens disappear. Jesus is saying come to me and I will carry those burdens with you. Jesus walks alongside each of us ready to ease any burden. We only have to turn to him and welcome that accompaniment.
The words “labor” and “rest” in today’s culture have many meanings. For Christians, the purpose of rest is to center our hearts on God, so all labor should be oriented toward this goal. Rest does not come from taking off the yoke. Instead, rest can be found in knowing Jesus is beside us, helping us carry that burden.
This invitation from Jesus is an appropriate theme for Catechetical Sunday and serves as a model for catechists to follow. Catechists are called to help others discern Christ alive and at work in their lives. Catechists also accompany others who seek to grow in understanding of their place in God’s plan. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus did when he walked this earth and does with each of us today?
This theme also reminds catechists to not carry the weight of this ministry alone. Parish and school catechesis is designed to support – not replace – catechesis at home. When yoked together with Christ, family, parish and school catechists offer a powerful faith perspective. One that brings about an enthusiasm for faith that can be freely shared with others. This is an active journey of continued and renewed formation whose purpose is profound and life-changing, yet incredibly simple: know Jesus better.
Knowing Jesus better requires effort on our part because it means accepting his invitation to join together on that continuous, active journey of faith discovery. This journey cannot be rushed, but it must be allowed to unfold at life’s pace.
The title of the Bible section in which Matthew’s verse is found is called “The Gentle Mastery of Christ.” The accompaniment Jesus mastered is not loud and raucous. It is subtle, tender, and yes, it is strong! Just like the catechists who serve in our parishes and schools. I am grateful for each and every one of them for saying “yes” to the call to walk with others as we all get to know Jesus better.
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