The Roman Catholic Lectionary today presents a deep paradox in texts from Matthew and Isaiah. The meek and humble of heart will soar with eagle’s wings. The passage from Deutero-Isaiah is written to the exiles in Babylon who may have become discouraged. Friar Jude Winkler explains the disappointment of the exiles in the apparent lack of action from God to restore them to freedom. The exiles are told to expect that their weariness will be replaced with the energy and freedom of the eagle. The passage about rest in the Gospel from Matthew uses Hebrew language which, according to Friar Jude, refers to the the Sabbath rest or the Eternal rest. Some who live humble lives appear to have accepted a difficult yoke and we rejoice that they do find eagle’s wings in eternity. Friar Jude invites a deeper reflection based on the tradition that the yoke of Jesus time was skillfully crafted to be a perfect fit for the animal. Nancy Shirley resonates with Friar Jude in declaring that this new way of living, yoked to Jesus, is a perfect fit to our gifts and weaknesses. In the double yoke with Jesus, our humble and meek movements will be as natural and free as the graceful and energetic flight of the eagle. Our Sabbath rest is coincident with our action in Jesus, our Eternal rest is part of a continuous path which begins with a humble “yes”.
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