True Rest - The Rev. Martie Johnson
Our Gospel begins with Jesus comparing the people of His generation to children who are never satisfied. John the Baptist came fasting and living an austere life, and people said, "He has a demon." Jesus came sharing meals with sinners and tax collectors, and they said He was a glutton and a drunkard.
No matter what Jesus did, some people always found a reason to complain. Not much has changed in two thousand years. If we are honest with ourselves, how often do we find ourselves never satisfied with what we have? The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
We all have worries in our lives. Wouldn’t it be grand if God had a wheelbarrow and we could toss our worries into it and walk away? But sadly, life doesn’t work that way.
In this Gospel, Jesus offers us one of the most comforting words: "Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Sometimes we can feel Our Lord’s comfort surrounding us, especially in a quiet, prayerful space. Yet when chaos swirls around us, we can quickly lose that sense of holy contentment.
When we start complaining, we need to pause and ask ourselves some questions. What are we actually doing to make things better? We complain about the poverty we hear about, but do we donate to a soup kitchen or take the time to feed the hungry? We complain about the government, but do we write to a member of Congress or a senator, or attend a rally? We complain about the poor quality of education in inner-city schools, but how many of us are willing to serve as tutors? Vincent van Gogh wrote that he would rather die of passion than of boredom. Do not let your faith be boring; live it passionately. Go the extra mile, take a risk, and stand up for what you believe in.
Christianity has never been a spectator sport. When we are active in our faith, we feel good knowing we are helping others. As we serve others, we recognize the struggles they face every day. We may even forget our own problems or realize they are not as big as we thought and may even be petty. Remember the saying, "I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet."
Jesus didn't merely preach sermons. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, comforted the grieving, and welcomed those society rejected. He even saved a wedding by turning water into wine. In this way, Jesus put His words into action, showing what faith looks like. Every time we help someone, we put our faith into action. When we walk beside one another, we walk in Christ’s shoes.
Being a Christian doesn't mean our worries magically disappear. God doesn't usually remove our burdens; He helps us carry them. When we anchor ourselves in the belief that God is with us, fear and worry lose their grip.
But it is just as important to set aside our pride and ego and reach out to others when we need their help. Giving help and accepting help are what give the Church life. In that exchange, our faith is made real.
When we trust in God’s presence and become that presence for someone else, we discover that the burden is lighter, the road is easier, and Christ has been with us all along. This is why Jesus can say, "Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Amen
