Wednesday 12 December
Isaiah 40:25-31; Psalm 102 (103):1-4, 8, 10; Matthew 11:28-30
Wisdom’s yoke
‘Come to me’ echoes the invitation of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:4-5). ‘Carrying heavy burdens’ is used of the heavy yoke of daily life. In the Greek Old Testament, this is translated as ‘measured’ or ‘beaten’ and speaks of beatings, physical tiredness or weariness from work, heat or battle. The Book of Sirach tells us, ‘A hard lot has been created for human beings, a heavy yoke lies on the children of Adam’ (40:1). ‘Under the yoke of Egypt or Rome’ meant people were conquered. How is it different to be under Wisdom’s yoke (Sirach 51:26) and that of Jesus?