Rest in Jesus

by Fr. Jerome Cayetano  |  07/05/2026  |  The WORD in other words

In this pericope or Gospel account, we focus on the theme of “rest or being refreshed.” This is what Jesus had promised to those who are laboring for His Kingdom or for His vineyard. Mind you, Jesus had just sent his twelve disciples to the towns and villages where He intended to go. He specifically instructed them to go after the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” The disciples most of the time were successful, but there were times they were not.

Jesus heard about the towns who were unrepented despite the many miracles that Jesus and His disciples had done for them. Nevertheless, Jesus is still able to praise the Father what He said in this fashion: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the little ones…” (Mt.11:25)

According to the commentary, these words of Jesus have Johannine underpinnings and use a saying of the Risen Lord. It is an acknowledgement that the Father is the source of all blessings and graces, and that He has completely understood and comprehended His mission. Only Jesus has likewise fully understood His Father’s saving will. Jesus considers His disciples to be the “little ones” because they are mostly ordinary fishermen and uneducated ones, yet they acknowledge the importance of being with Jesus, their Master and Teacher, not to mention, of being able to see God. In addition, Jesus has revealed to them one fundamental truth (i.e. there is a symbiotic unity that existed between the Father and Jesus) when he says: “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.” (Matt 12:26)

Matthew 11:28 is an invitation to come to Jesus when He says: “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” To me this is the heart of this gospel account because of the following reasons: First, Jesus wants us to accept our life which is full of “ups and downs,” ambiguities, contradictions, ironies and challenges. The daily toils, tasks and responsibilities often overwhelm us, and we really need to rest our bodies. This is precisely the reason why God had commanded the people of Israel to observe the “rest day.” He invited them to follow and imitate Him since He rested on the seventh day while creating the universe. His invitation implies to rest in His presence by worshiping God together with the community through our songs and prayers, by listening to His words and teachings, by and receiving His own body and blood. In churches where the “Holy Eucharist” is exposed for adoration for 24 hours, people are enticed “to rest in His presence” or “pour out” and unburden their problems and difficulties to Him; to seek Him as their solace and comfort, to rest in His heart.

Second, to be able to rest in Jesus, we ought to be able to take Christ’s yoke, which is the commandment of love, that is, to love God above all things, to love our neighbors as ourselves. To fulfill this command, we must look at Jesus, learn from Him and inculcate into ourselves the virtues of meekness and humility so that we can completely rest in His arms. Third, for the “yoke of Christ,” that is His command to be light and easy, it must be done with profound and genuine love.

Sundays are meant for the Lord and for us. Relax and enjoy the company of your family and friends. Don’t work your job unless you are working to preserve the common good like doctors, nurses, health providers, policemen, firemen, etc. Do your favorite sports like basketball, pickle ball, tennis, etc. Enjoy outdoors - picnics, walking, fishing, boating, etc. Hang out with your friends - shopping, dancing, singing, etc. Replenish your lost energy by resting in the Lord, with family and friends.