Today,
two realities define Jesus in this Gospel: no one knows the Father
except him, and He is «gentle and humble of heart» (Mt
11:29). We can also discern in this Gospel two attitudes that we
require to properly understand and enjoy what Jesus is offering us:
simplicity and the desire to get close to Him.
Wise
and learned men often find it difficult to disclose the mystery of
God's Kingdom for they are not too receptive to the divine
revelation; God keeps on manifesting himself, but as they believe
they know all the answers, they consider God may not surprise them
anymore. However, the simple of heart, like infants in their best
moments, are pervious like a water-imbibed sponge, and they have the
capacity to be surprised and admiring. Exceptions can be found,
though. Thus, we can even see experts in human relations that can be
quite humble regarding their knowledge of God.
Jesus
finds his own rest in his Father, and his peace may be the safe haven
sought by those life has mistreated: «Come to me, all you who
work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you»
(Mt 11:28). Jesus is humble and humility is the sister of
simplicity. When we learn how to be happy through simplicity, many
complications are dispelled, many needs disappear, and we can rest,
at long last. Jesus invites us to follow him; and He is not deceiving
us: to be with him is to take his yoke upon us, to assume the demands
of his love. We shall not be spared any suffering, but his load will
be light, and our suffering will not be a consequence of our own
selfishness but, because of love and with the Spirit's help, we shall
suffer only what we should and no more. Furthermore, let us not
forget that, «the tribulations we suffer for God are softened
by the hope» (St. Ephraem).
