Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 11:25–30

Over the past week, I took two family members to urgent care and the ER. Spending my time there was not on my agenda, and while both visits were necessary, I have to admit I was more than a little annoyed at having my plans for both days disrupted.

But life is interesting, and you never know where or how you will meet God. If only our hearts remain open to finding Him. 

After waking up worried about many things, I was looking forward to a Saturday with nothing on my schedule. That’s when I was asked to drive my sister to her doctor’s appointment. The urgent care clinic was near the coast, so while she was with the doctor, I drove down to the beach. I sensed the Lord inviting me to the water. I doubted I’d find parking, but just then, someone pulled out right in front of me! With another gentle nudge, I went. It turned out that a slow walk along the ocean—dipping my toes in the water, breathing the fresh ocean air, and collecting seashells—was just what the Divine Physician ordered. It was glorious! I found the perspective and inner peace my heart needed, and my joy returned, all while my sister received care for her broken toe.

Often, the soul rest that we long for is closer than we realize. This Sunday’s gospel reminds us that our Lord invites us to come to Him to find this rest. It’s a timely message, as we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of Fourth of July weekend celebrations, summer vacations, travel, and all the busy, crazy (and fun) activities of summer. 

Time for a heart check: How are you really?
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:28–29).

Pause for a moment—how is your heart right now?
What burdens are you carrying?
Has anyone asked you lately how you really are? 

On our team at Walking with Purpose, we regularly check in with one another about this. There is no right or wrong answer—no need to fake being fine. It’s okay to come happy or sad, joyful or worried. What a relief it is to be honest and real. In the same way, Jesus asks us: How are you, My beloved daughter? Come to Me and tell Me.

He wants us to come to Him with it all: the joy of a new baby, the stress of a busy day, the worry about a sick loved one or unpaid bills, the sadness of a broken relationship, the exhilaration of a goal met, or a dream realized. He wants us to trust Him with everything because He knows that the way to find the true rest our hearts desire is to bring our concerns to Him. But He cares too much to just listen. He also wants to reveal His love, wisdom, and guidance to us.

Diving deeper into this gospel passage, a cross-reference takes us to Sirach 51:26, which talks about the yoke of wisdom that is available to us: 

Take her yoke upon your neck;
that your mind may receive her teaching.
For she is close to those who seek her,
and the one who is in earnest finds her.

The yoke the Lord gives us isn’t meant to weigh us down or hold us back. It isn’t one more thing to add to your already full plate. Instead, it’s a wisdom that guides and teaches us. But taking on this yoke requires some discipline from us—a willingness to patiently listen, an openness to grow, and be formed in virtue. For me, this means quieting my mind and heart so I can be open to receiving.

True soul rest is found in God’s wisdom.
Do you find it difficult to be still and wait for answers to your prayers or for wisdom in a challenging situation? I’ve always found it easy to tell God what I think I need and how I want Him to fix things, but quietly listening for answers is much harder and requires perseverance. And, anxious, hurried prayer doesn’t help. Often, I work myself into a frenzy trying to solve things, instead of calmly taking His yoke and listening to Him with meekness and humility. This might mean I have to set aside my own agenda and even be willing to be inconvenienced for a time, because the lesson I need to learn may be found where I least expect it.

Jeremiah 6:16 reminds us that seeking God’s wisdom, rather than relying on our own, leads to peace of mind: “Thus says the Lord: Stand by the earliest roads, ask the pathways of old, 'Which is the way to good?' and walk it; thus you will find rest for yourselves.” Immersing ourselves in Scripture and Bible study is an excellent way to discern our path. When we bring our dreams, worries, and doubts to the Lord, we can pause, slow down, and truly hear what He is telling us through His Word. Slowing down is key; notice how Jeremiah instructs us to stand, ask, and walk—not run. We can’t hear God when our minds and bodies are racing at a hundred miles an hour. 

How can we encounter Him? For me, it happened during an unexpected quiet walk on the beach—where I could slow my racing thoughts, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the Father, which, as it turns out, was exactly what He knew I needed.

Where is that place for you? Maybe you encounter Him on a morning walk, at Mass in the Eucharist, in the adoration chapel, or even in the cozy prayer corner of your home. Thankfully, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we can meet Him wherever we are.

So, as you navigate the busyness of July, I am praying that you allow yourself time to pause, breathe, and connect with Jesus' gentle presence. Whether your days are calm or hectic, remember that true rest for your soul comes not from perfect conditions but from drawing nearer to Him. Keep your heart open to His invitations, and trust that He will meet you where you are with the comfort, wisdom, and rest your soul seeks.

Resting with you,
Karen

Food for thought or journaling …

Summer offers us extra time to get outdoors in the beauty of God’s creation. Where do you encounter the Lord in nature? Try to make some intentional time this week to spend with Him.

Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting us to come to You and rest in You. Give us the grace we need to learn from You and seek Your wisdom in all things.

P.S. Looking for more ways to grow closer to Christ this summer? July is a perfect month to pick up our 31-day devotional: Rest. It will take you on a journey of the soul and saturate you with the truth that you are seen, known, respected, and loved by a God who gave everything for you.