Eagles and Yokes

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to consider the Way in which we can soar as eagles lifted by love and security as we surrender to the yoke custom made for our work with Jesus.

Prepared to Soar

The reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah praises the Power of God and the Vanity of Idols.

* [40:1–55:13] Chapters 40–55 are usually designated Second Isaiah (or Deutero-Isaiah) and are believed to have been written by an anonymous prophet toward the end of the Babylonian exile. Isaiah, who is named frequently in chaps. 1–39, does not appear here; the Assyrians, the great threat during the eighth century, hardly appear; the Judeans are in Babylon, having been taken there by the victorious Babylonians; Cyrus, the Persian king, is named; he will defeat Babylon and release the captives. Second Isaiah, who sees this not as a happy circumstance but as part of God’s age-old plan, exhorts the Judeans to resist the temptations of Babylonian religion and stirs up hopes of an imminent return to Judah, where the Lord will again be acknowledged as King (52:7). Because the prophet proclaimed the triumph of Persia over Babylon, his message would have been considered seditious, and it is very likely for this reason that the collection would have circulated anonymously. At some point it was appended to Is 1–39 and consequently was long considered the work of Isaiah of Jerusalem of the eighth century. But the fact that it is addressed to Judean exiles in Babylon indicates a sixth-century date. Nevertheless, this eloquent prophet in many ways works within the tradition of Isaiah and develops themes found in the earlier chapters, such as the holiness of the Lord (cf. note on 1:4) and his lordship of history. Second Isaiah also develops other Old Testament themes, such as the Lord as Israel’s redeemer or deliverer (cf. Ex 3:8; 6:6; 15:13; 18:8).

* [40:26] Created: see note on Gn 1:1–2:3. By name: for he is their Creator.

* [40:27–28] The exiles, here called Jacob-Israel (Gn 32:29), must not give way to discouragement: their Lord is the eternal God. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 103 is thanksgiving for God’s Goodness.

* [Psalm 103] The speaker in this hymn begins by praising God for personal benefits (Ps 103:1–5), then moves on to God’s mercy toward all the people (Ps 103:6–18). Even sin cannot destroy that mercy (Ps 103:11–13), for the eternal God is well aware of the people’s human fragility (Ps 103:14–18). The psalmist invites the heavenly beings to join in praise (Ps 103:19–22).

* [103:5] Your youth is renewed like the eagle’s: because of the eagle’s long life it was a symbol of perennial youth and vigor, cf. Is 40:31. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew, presents the Gentle Mastery of Christ.

* [11:28–29] These verses are peculiar to Matthew and are similar to Ben Sirach’s invitation to learn wisdom and submit to her yoke (Sir 51:23, 26).

* [11:28] Who labor and are burdened: burdened by the law as expounded by the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:4).

* [11:29] In place of the yoke of the law, complicated by scribal interpretation, Jesus invites the burdened to take the yoke of obedience to his word, under which they will find rest; cf. Jer 6:16. (Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Edward Morse comments that God himself had to deal patiently with the uncooperative and belligerent.  Sometimes we are among them.

Isaiah confronts such an attitude in today’s first reading.  “To whom can you liken me as an equal?”  We know far too little and presume far too much.  Yet God invites us to come to him to receive renewal, hope, refreshment, and vigor.  He patiently offers time to discover His ways and to see our own errors.  Today’s Psalm continues this theme, calling us to embrace gratitude and remember our place in the order of creation, which offers goodness beyond what we deserve.

Today’s gospel completes the lesson, showing us how God’s tenderness and mercy accompany us, as indeed our Lord came to us in his Nativity.  “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”  We may be working hard to produce a return on the talents entrusted to us, as our pre-advent readings illustrated.  But today’s gospel presents an image of our Master who is “meek and humble of heart”, whose “yoke” is easy and whose burden is light. (Morse, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Grace bear us,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church.

"'My yoke is easy and my burden light.' ... The prophet says this about the burden of sinners: 'Because my iniquities lie on top of my head, so they have also placed a heavy burden on me' (Psalm 38:4)' ...'Place my yoke upon you, and learn from me that I am gentle and humble of heart.' Oh, what a very pleasing weight that strengthens even more those who carry it! For the weight of earthly masters gradually destroys the strength of their servants, but the weight of Christ rather helps the one who bears it, because we do not bear grace; grace bears us. It is not for us to help grace, but rather grace has been given to aid us.' (excerpt from INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY, the Greek fathers). (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 40:25-31 comments that even when we feel hidden and disregarded, we are infinitely precious to our God. He knows us inside and out, and he never tires of listening to our thoughts and prayers, our desires and disappointments. No matter how weak we feel, he delights in encouraging us.

Your loving Father knows all your concerns. He has the resources to take care of everything. That’s all part of his glorious magnificence. But right now, he’s asking you to lay down your burdens at his feet and let him, the eternal God, strengthen and comfort you.

God’s loving invitation echoes in Jesus’ simple words from today’s Gospel: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). That’s his call to you today. The Lord of the universe is your personal friend. Draw near and let him love you, renew your strength, and give you just what you need to soar on eagles’ wings (Isaiah 40:31).

“Almighty and eternal God, thank you for loving me so tenderly.” (Meditation on Isaiah 40:25-31, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that the passage from Deutero Isaiah refers to the Babylonian exile and addresses questions of monotheism and the power of pagan gods prior to the restoration of Israel. Matthew echoes the theme that only God will restore Israel in power as Jesus calls the us to rest in His Yoke. Friar Jude notes that yokes were custom made and our yoke with Jesus is intended specifically for us to straighten the furrows of our life.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC teacher Mirabai Starr who writes of Judaism’s affirmation of tikkun olam—human participation in the world’s restoration. Starr encouraged students at the CAC’s Living School.

Our task is to mend the broken world. This is our job: to mend this shattered vessel, to repair the brokenness of the world.  How do we do this? You might ask yourself this every single day, if you’re anything like me. We do this through every act of loving kindness, every act of chesed. And we do this through every act of tzedakah, which is, for lack of a better translation, generosity, hospitality. It’s sometimes translated as charity; it’s an offering of ourselves, even when it’s not convenient and not comfortable. The nice thing about Judaism, and this is true in Islam as well, is that our loving, kind thoughts count too. The actions [count], certainly, of course, but our loving thoughts make a difference. They help mend the world. [2] (Rohr, 2023)

We have images of eagles and yoked oxen to ponder about our relationship with Christ and how we will experience full life in accepting these visions.

References

Isaiah, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/40?25 

Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?28 

Meditation on Isaiah 40:25-31. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 13, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/12/13/847803/ 

Morse, E. (2023, December 13). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved December 13, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/121323.html 

Rohr, R. (2023, December 13). Mending the World — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 13, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/mending-the-world/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 13, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=dec13 

Learn to Lighten the Burden

 

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate images of eagles and yoked oxen to appreciate the strength we receive in our relationship with God.

Soar like eagles

 

The reading from the Book Of the Prophet Isaiah reminds the exiles in Babylon that they shall mount up with wings like eagles.

 

* [40:27–28] The exiles, here called Jacob-Israel (Gn 32:29), must not give way to discouragement: their Lord is the eternal God.1

Psalm 103 is a thanksgiving for God’s goodness.

 

* [Psalm 103] The speaker in this hymn begins by praising God for personal benefits (Ps 103:1–5), then moves on to God’s mercy toward all the people (Ps 103:6–18). Even sin cannot destroy that mercy (Ps 103:11–13), for the eternal God is well aware of the people’s human fragility (Ps 103:14–18). The psalmist invites the heavenly beings to join in praise (Ps 103:19–22).2

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus consoles us with an invitation to a yoke that is easy, and a burden that is light.

 

* [11:28–29] These verses are peculiar to Matthew and are similar to Ben Sirach’s invitation to learn wisdom and submit to her yoke (Sir 51:23, 26). * [11:28] Who labor and are burdened: burdened by the law as expounded by the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:4).3

Edward Morse shares that today’s gospel provides a comforting message for those who are tired now, as well as those who fear they may be tiring.

 

This world and its regular drumbeat of demands -- along with all of the other noise that attends them -- sometimes deprives us of the silence and peace we need, from which the song of God’s love that we need to hear emerges.  Jesus is telling us that he understands the burdens, and he can help us deal with them. Like the hawk and the eagle, we need to soar, but we also need to rest.  Jesus is calling us to Himself, to seek out peace and silence, so that we may hear the song of God’s love.  And perhaps He is also giving us an opportunity to assist in some small way to provide a little rest for others, maybe even some music for their weary, forgetful hearts.  Thanks be to our generous God.4

Don Schwager quotes “Grace bear us,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church.

 "'My yoke is easy and my burden light.' ... The prophet says this about the burden of sinners: 'Because my iniquities lie on top of my head, so they have also placed a heavy burden on me' (Psalm 38:4)' ...'Place my yoke upon you, and learn from me that I am gentle and humble of heart.' Oh, what a very pleasing weight that strengthens even more those who carry it! For the weight of earthly masters gradually destroys the strength of their servants, but the weight of Christ rather helps the one who bears it, because we do not bear grace; grace bears us. It is not for us to help grace, but rather grace has been given to aid us.' (excerpt from INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY, the Greek fathers).5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 40:25-31 asks “Are you weary? Are there areas in your life that make you feel anxious or fearful? Or maybe there is a pattern of sin that you can’t break and that is draining you of your hope or joy.” Whatever the case, follow your ancestors in faith and lift up your eyes.

 Do it tonight, in fact. Go out and gaze at the stars. Put yourself in Abraham’s shoes as he looked up at the sky. Join the exiles in Babylon when they first heard the words in today’s reading. As you do, recall God’s promises to you in Christ. Jesus has promised to be with you, to hear you when you call out to him, to wipe every tear from your eyes, and to forgive your every sin. He has promised to nourish you with his Body and Blood so that you can “run and not grow weary” (Isaiah 40:31). And above all else, he has promised to love you—always. “Lord, as I stand under your stars, I can’t help but be in awe of your love.”6

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the concern of the Babylonian exiles about the power of God. In Jesus' time, oxen yokes were custom fitted and usually double. Friar Jude suggests that plowing on our own will result in a crooked path.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares work of his friend Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I. who reminds us that giving birth spiritually is a dynamic and creative process. To bring Christ into the world involves an ongoing commitment to growth, to discomfort, to love, and to surrender. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is God’s invitation to all of us.

 

All of this is what Mary went through to give Christ to the world: Pregnancy by the Holy Spirit; gestation of that into a child inside of her; excruciating pain in birthing that to the outside; nurturing that new life into adulthood; and pondering, painfully letting go so that this new life can be its own, not hers. . . . Our task too is to give birth to Christ. Mary is the paradigm for doing that. From her we get the pattern: Let the word of God take root and make you pregnant; gestate that by giving it the nourishing sustenance of your own life; submit to the pain that is demanded for it to be born to the outside; then spend years coaxing it from infancy to adulthood; and finally, during and after all of this, do some pondering, accept the pain of not understanding and of letting go.7

Our labour in the field with Jesus is supported by the grace to plow a straight path and soar like the eagle.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Isaiah, chapter 40 - usccb. Retrieved December 9, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/40:7
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 103 | USCCB. Retrieved December 9, 2020, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/103
3	(n.d.). Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. Retrieved December 9, 2020, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - Online Ministries .... Retrieved December 9, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/120920.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 9, 2020, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2020&date=dec9
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 9, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/12/09/177548/
7	(2020, December 9). A Lifetime Commitment — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 9, 2020, from https://cac.org/a-lifetime-commitment-2020-12-09/