Song “Breathe on me breath of God” https://youtu.be/NG7i2SDe-kE
Come Holy Spirit into the depths of our being
Come Holy Spirit use who we really are
Come Holy Spirit strengthen us in our weakness
Come Holy Spirit help us restore your creation
Song “We’ll walk the land” https://youtu.be/YXYxmU73-yo
Reflection on Mathew 11v16-30
Mathew is gospel is the first in the New Testament, but it was probably the second to be written. It borrows material from Mark, and from a source containing sayings of Jesus. It shows an understanding of Jewish culture and religion not found in the other gospels. It was probably written about 60 to 70 AD, possibly for a largely Jewish audience.
John the Baptist has sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether he is the expected Messiah. Jesus has invited John to decide for himself: does he not do deeds of healing as foretold of the Messiah in Isaiah? John, Jesus has said, is indeed a prophet, the “messenger” sent to prepare for the Messiah (foretold in Malachi, and there called Elijah).
Jesus denounces the Jewish cities which have rejected the gospel. They have seen the signs, but have not repented. Korazin, near Capernaum, and Bethsaida, the home of Andrew, Peter and Philip, are singled out for condemnation. The "woe" (pity, alas) declares their loss. Tyre and Sidon, Phoenician cities to the North, are singled out as pagan cities which would have repented if they had received the same revelation from God.
Alluding to Isaiah 14:15, Jesus compares Capernaum with Babylon, the epitome of evil. Their failure to repent will bring upon them the horror of "Hades"; they will be trapped in the place of the dead. Had the citizens of Sodom been given a comparable revelation from God, they would have repented and escaped the fire of divine retribution.
The mysteries of the messianic age are revealed to "little children" ("disciples", "simple ones"), rather than the "wise". Only believers can unlock the secrets of the kingdom and access its blessings. The blessings of the kingdom are not unlocked by wisdom, power, status, goodness....., but by humility. The "childlike", the lost and broken before God, those who seek divine mercy and forgiveness, only they "go home right before God."
So now, the secrets of the kingdom belong to believers, to the "little children", to the repentant ones. Jesus invites the "little children" to come to him for rest. They are described as the weary and burdened ones. They are weighed down. Jesus calls on them to set aside the yoke of the law and replace it with the yoke of Gods love. This message is kind and gentle, it is an easy yoke (good and comfortable); a light burden. a yoke usually joins two oxen together to work as a team. When Jesus invites us to take his yoke and to learn from him, he is inviting us to join him in harness -- to allow him to take the lead -- to let him help us through difficult places -- to let him show us how it is done.
The Jews at the time assumed that God's selection of his children was determined because of their family association with Abraham, and that this selection was confirmed by a willing obedience to the Law.
Jesus reveals salvation to broken humanity. As far as Jesus is concerned, the criteria for selection is not based on genetics, wealth, wisdom, or effort.
Jesus issues two invitations, "Come unto me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, and you will find rest unto your souls."
Song “Restore O Lord” https://youtu.be/_qBYlTC5ROs
We believe in the Holy Spirit
Who revives and resurrects our defeated souls.
Who renews our hopes
And reminds us of our responsibilities
Who calls us to celebrate God's presence
And so to be the church on earth.
