Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 2nd Week of Advent – Wednesday – Matthew 11:28-30

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Wednesday of the  2nd Week of Advent is Matthew 11:28-30.

Having revealed the blessings and power the Father has given Him, Christ offers to give peace and joy to men. Christ knows men’s burdens: at one with the Father at Eden, Christ purposefully gave men toil to remind them of their dependence on God (Gen 3:17-19); Christ willingly carries man’s burden through His years as a simple carpenter. In the Incarnation, Crucifixion and Resurrection, Christ now shows that in Him, men can be reconciled with God and be relieved of their burden.

For relief from the burdens of the world, Christ reiterates His exhortation in the Old Testament for men to pursue Divine Wisdom (Sirach 51) with an incredible revelation: Christ is Wisdom personified! He promises in His Divine Mercy to draw men to Him in gentleness, relieving the suffering of men who seek Him. To seek Him, Christ invites men to come to Him, to learn from Him and to take on His yoke of the Christian life; in this, Christ promises men rest.

Christ’s call to take on His yoke life-changing. The yoke is His yoke, through which men are united with Christ. Christ does not impose His yoke, but gives man free will to give himself to Him. His yoke becomes the vocation of disciples to labor for the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ does not take away our burdens, but helps us carry our duties in the world with joy, realizing that we are contributing in our meager way to His plan of Salvation History. Christ’s yoke is one of complete obedience to Christ in the willing and joyful carrying of our own cross.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of Man, Jesus knows the struggles of men and promises them peace. Divine Prophet, Jesus proclaims that Old Testament writings that are hundreds of years old are about Him. Divine Wisdom, Christ reveals that His is Wisdom personified.  Divine Mercy, Christ desires all men to find relief and rest.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Pop psychology, self-help gurus and false religions deceive men into thinking lasting “peace” can be gained with philosophies (humanism), techniques (positive thinking, mindfulness meditations) and gimmicks (walking on coals). Marvel that Christ purposefully incarnates, taking on the work, physical burdens of manhood and death on the Cross; through the Resurrection Christ’s yoke is the only source of lasting peace and eternal salvation.

2) Knowing that men suffer the burdens of the world (overwork, oppression, physical suffering, emotional turmoil) Christ comes into the world to give men peace. During Advent, reflect upon why Christ became Flesh (CCC 456-460) and pray for Christ to fill your heart with joyful anticipation of His Coming.

3) Christ knows that men get out of balance and He wants men to find rest in Him. During Advent, reflect on the Need for Men to Rest (CCC 314, 337, 1193, 1720, 2042, 2172, 2184-2189, 2194) and pray for Christ to help you find balance, a growing rest and peace in Him.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Glorious Mysteries

Daily Devotion – Saint Joseph

Virtue of the Day – Temperance

Corporal Work of Mercy – To visit the imprisoned

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To comfort the sorrowful