Yoking Ourselves with Jesus

A trip to daily Mass illuminates a vital principle for Leigh Ann Roman.

When my work schedule allows it, I drive to a nearby church during my lunch break for noon Mass. I am fortunate that the cathedral in Memphis is just 10 minutes from my office in the city’s medical district. 

In the sanctuary, a verse is painted on the apse above the altar: “Come to me all ye who labor and are heavily burdened and I will refresh you.” This quotation frames a gorgeous painting of Our Lady rising on clouds to Heaven. 

The Power of Priestly Teaching 

One recent Thursday, the Gospel for the day was the same as the verse on the apse (Matthew 11:28), but also included Matthew 11:29-30: 

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” 

I have never cared for the last part of that Bible passage because I misunderstood it. I thought Jesus was trying to place His yoke upon me, only adding to the burdens that life had already placed there. 

But during the homily Father explained that the word yoke in the original language had a conjugal meaning, thus being yoked with Jesus means that he is helping to carry our burdens just as married people help one another in caring for their home and family. Jesus helps those of us yoked with Him to carry all of the burdens that life places upon us. 

Somehow this explanation really hit home for me — perhaps because I have been married for so long and understand how truly interdependent my husband and I are. He handles all things mechanical and repairable, and I handle most of the paperwork and housework. When two people work together, the weight we bear seems so much lighter. 

But in practical terms, what does it look like to yoke myself to Jesus in the ups and downs of daily life? He can’t physically sit at the bedside of an ailing parent or counsel a heartbroken college student with me.  

Joining Jesus in Humility  

Looking back at the verse, I see that Jesus is meek and humble of heart. That tells me that the first step in being yoked with Jesus is humble acceptance of what the day brings. 

Struggling in a yoke only makes it harder to pull the weight. When I accept the burden and ask Jesus to work with me, that distributes the weight of the burden properly. So, I invite Jesus into the situation and seek his guidance. I pray for the right words or action to take, and then I step forward with Jesus by my side. It is also appropriate in difficult situations to ask for prayers and help from our friends and family members. 

I’m glad I understand this teaching better now, but I have to be honest and say I have definitely resisted some of my burdens in life and I know that made them harder to bear. The longer I live, the more I come to believe that life is not about me or my convenience; it is about serving God and others. 

When I am focused on that, rather than on my wishes, life’s labors seem sweeter, and I rejoice in my ability to share my time, love, and hope with someone who needs it.  

Joining our cares with Jesus is the first step on a beautiful journey of self-giving that can bring unimagined blessings to our lives.  

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Leigh Ann Roman
Images: (center) copyright 2025 Leigh Ann Roman, all rights reserved; all others Canva