Daily Catholic Lectio
Thursday, 17 July ‘25
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Thursday
Exodus 3:13–20. Matthew 11:28–30
Companionship in the Yoke
In today’s readings, we see two powerful truths: God comes down to be with His people in their suffering. Jesus invites us to share our burdens with Him and walk in companionship.
This is the heart of the Gospel message: we are never alone in our struggles. When life feels heavy, God does not remove the load but chooses to carry it with us. He becomes our companion under the yoke.
1. God who Comes Down – To Be With the Burdened
In the first reading (Exodus 3:13–20), God reveals His name to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM… the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” God does not remain distant. He comes down in response to the cry of His people in Egypt. The bush burns but is not consumed—a symbol that even in fire, His people will not be destroyed.
He tells Moses: “I have seen their suffering, I have heard their cry… and I will send you.”
Here we see: God’s eternal presence (I AM), His faithfulness (God of the ancestors), And His desire for companionship—not only with the people, but also through people like Moses. God does not act alone. He chooses companions to join His mission. He makes Moses His yoke-fellow, His co-worker.
2. Jesus, the Companion of the Burdened
In the Gospel (Matthew 11:28–30), Jesus echoes the same divine compassion: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
What are these burdens? Political oppression under Roman rule, Economic exploitation, Religious rules imposed by leaders, And personal struggles—sorrow, sin, sickness, loneliness.
Jesus does not say: “I will remove all burdens.”
Instead, He offers companionship: “Take My yoke upon you… learn from Me… for My yoke is easy and My burden light.”
This is the secret of Gospel strength: We are not called to carry nothing, but to carry with Him.
3. The Power of the Yoke
A yoke is a wooden frame placed on two animals to pull a load together. Alone, it is impossible. But together, the weight is shared—and the work becomes possible.
Jesus is saying: “I will walk beside you. Let us carry it together.” We all carry different burdens:
Family responsibilities, Illness, Emotional wounds, Financial stress, Inner battles. But when we accept Jesus as our companion in the yoke, we receive:
Strength to walk on, Peace in our heart, And rest in our soul.
4. Learning from Christ – Gentleness and Humility
Jesus says: “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.”
Gentleness means not being harsh with ourselves. It is accepting our humanity without anger.
Humility is knowing: “Even this can happen to me.” It is the courage to accept life as it is. With gentleness and humility, our burdens may remain—but they will no longer crush us. We carry them with grace.
5. Carrying Each Other’s Burdens
God calls Moses not to stand by, but to stand with His people. Likewise, Jesus calls us to: Be His yoke-fellows, Support others in their pain, Offer small acts of mercy—like Simon of Cyrene, Veronica, or the women of Jerusalem who walked the way of the Cross with Jesus.
We may not remove someone’s pain—but we can bring rest, comfort, and companionship.
Final Reflection
The burden of life is real. The weight of sorrow, sin, and responsibility is real. But so is the presence of Christ—gentle, humble, and strong. Let us respond to His invitation today: “Come to Me… Take My yoke… and you will find rest.” Let us be companions to one another—as Christ is to us. And when we feel overwhelmed, let us look to the burning bush: We may feel the fire. But with God beside us, we will not be consumed.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of MaduraiMissionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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