Daily Gospel Reflection for December 11, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

On an early spring day when the winds still chill one to the bone, the call came. My friend’s adult daughter Carol (not her real name) had died after a ten-year battle with cancer.

“She slipped away between breaths,” my friend said.

Carol never married and had a successful business career, living far from her family. Rather than die alone, Carol chose to live with family, first with her sister and then with my friend. Surrounded by a loving family that included her mother, sisters, and nephews, Carol lived longer than the doctors predicted.

I have an image of her in my mind, propped up by pillows, cozy in her bed, as snow fell softly on the fir trees near the house.

We prayed to Saint Joseph for a peaceful death. And so, it was.

Boisterous nephews enjoyed pizza parties with her, watching movies and joking. Carol spent time drawing with colored pencils and writing advice to those left behind. She produced a video that was played at her celebration of life. Fallen away from the Church for many years, she returned to the sacraments. It seemed like a miracle when she made a sacramental Confession and received viaticum.

Today’s Gospel is an invitation from Jesus.

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Carol’s journey to eternal life is etched in my memory. Her family became the hands and feet of Our Lord, easing her suffering and loneliness. Love was the powerful force that made Carol’s burden light.

Ponder:

In striving to live in the spirit of true Christian charity, how can I ease the suffering of those in need?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to be aware of those carrying heavy burdens. May I strive to lighten their loads.

Copyright 2024 Kathryn Swegart