Scripture:

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Reflection:

I have a story here. There was a woman who came to work at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge and sadly I do not remember her name. She escaped communist Cuba in the early 70's. Among her possessions were a few clothes with jewelry sewn in her outfits. Most valuable were documents, one of which was her license to be a medical doctor. She could, work as a scrub nurse like me, which required no state certification at that time.

To become a legal doctor in the USA, there would be years of education, expenses and time as if a new medical student. To become a us citizen, she would need to attend classes, studies and be tested. Her title when I know her was alien and stranger in America. She would need to work for any gains. Compare this to the Israelites - God's chosen people and we as Gentiles.

We did not complete designated works or classes for X number of years or pass strict tests to gain the title and eternal benefits of fellow citizens with the saints in the household of God – it is a gift.

Reflection Written by Mary Ann Cooper

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Guide us to retain the essence of our faith and protect us from worldly influences that dull our spirits. May the story of perseverance remind us of the gift of salvation, freely given to all who believe. Thank you, Lord, for your gift to us.

In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.