A resolution is described as a firm decision to do or not to do something.
At the beginning of a new year many are made by individuals who want to make positive changes. This is something good because it is wise to take the time to examine your life. When we are busy or distracted, we often fail to do this.
From a faith perspective, it is important to remember that we should also be making spiritual resolutions. What can I do to ensure that during the coming year I will grow spiritually?
I would like to make a suggestion. Perhaps all Christians can resolve to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
This familiar scripture passage reveals important aspects regarding the relationship that Jesus wants to have with each one of us.
We see that Jesus wants to be in a relationship with us. His invitation, "Come to me," means that he values each one of us and knows our needs. He understands the burdens we carry and that we can become weary. When we respond to his invitation, he shows us the way to bear these burdens with him. Jesus will not force anything upon us. He gently offers the invitation and patiently waits for us to respond. He wants a relationship with us because he wants to help us.
Jesus states, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." As a carpenter he would have made many wooden yokes. A yoke was placed over the shoulders of the oxen and then attached to a plow. It was usually custom made for the ox so that it would not cause chaffing which over time could harm the ox.
Jesus reminds us that the burdens we carry will not crush us or harm us if we carry them with him. The yoke was always made for a pair of oxen. Jesus will help us 'pull the burden' if we allow him. He helps to make the burden light.
Jesus wants to make things easier for us and that is why he says, "I will give you rest." In his gentleness and humility, he will give us all that we need so that we will not feel overburdened. When it seems that we are so busy and being pulled in many directions, Jesus offers us the rest that we so often long for in our lives. Jesus is the friend who loves us and will never let us down. He will never abandon us or leave us alone. If we trust him, we can rest.
One of the greatest aspects of our relationship with Jesus is that we receive so much and yet the cost to us is very little. All that he asks for in return is that we love him and one another. When you consider all that we receive from our Lord, this seems to be a reasonable request.
Jesus is making us an incredible offer. He invites us to come to him so that he can help us to live life to the fullest. We can unburden our souls to him and be lifted up in the process.
This new year let us make a resolution to respond to the Lord's invitation. We have so little to lose and so much to gain.
The Most Reverend Gerard Bergie is bishop of St. Catharines
Published first on https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/opinion-story/9110537-faith-matters-make-a-spiritual-resolution-this-new-year/