Learning a New Language

Gospel: Matthew 11: 25-30

Learning a new language is difficult for most people.  We use our primary language as a crutch and comparison in order to learn this new language, which often makes the learning more difficult.  If we give ourselves over entirely to the new language we find it much easier to learn.  The new language Jesus is trying to teach us is no different.

Our primary language is that of the world: self-interest, self-promotion, competition and rivalry.  Jesus gives us the new language of the Beatitudes: poverty of spirit, mercy, meekness, purity of heart, hunger for justice, peacemaking.  Jesus also gives us his example - we are to learn from his meekness and humility, and if we do that, if we give ourselves entirely to this new language and his example, it will be an easy and light burden.  

In giving us the image of the yoke, it is worth noting that Jesus is not the plow master; he is the one yoked to us, showing us the way and bearing the load with us.  If we follow his lead, the path will lead us surely to the narrow gate into the kingdom of heaven where the language of the Beatitudes will be the lingua franca of all.