Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent
(Isaiah 40:25-31;
Matthew 11:28-30)
In the 1960s Malcolm Boyd, an Episcopalian priest, wrote a
popular prayer book entitled Are You
Running with Me, Jesus? Evidently Fr.
Boyd felt more pressured by the demands Jesus seems to make on him than
relieved by the rest Jesus offers in the gospel today. Therefore, he had to ask Jesus’ assistance in
his ministry.
Of course, we can count on Jesus to help us and should go to
him in need. However, it is possible
that fail to take advantage of the comfort Jesus offers. Often others are capable and willing to
assist us if we only let them. Also, we
might consider retreating in prayer for a regular period every day. It is said that Pope Francis prays a couple
of hours each day.
In his book on Jesus, Pope Benedict underscores this truth
by claiming that in inviting others to find rest in himself, Jesus is proclaiming
himself to be the Sabbath. But his
Sabbath goes far beyond the relief we experience on Sunday. Trusting him provides not only a temporary respite
from pressure but a permanent release from anxiety.
