Jesus doesn't promise a life without burdens. He promises to carry them with us.
This Sunday's readings invite us into one of the most misunderstood virtues in the Christian life: meekness.
When we hear Jesus say, "I am meek and humble of heart" (Matthew 11:29), it's easy to picture someone timid or passive. But as Fr. Patrick Hyde explains on this week's episode of All Set for Sunday, true meekness isn't weakness at all. It's strength that's been surrendered to God.
Zechariah's prophecy points to a King who conquers through humility, arriving on a donkey instead of a warhorse (Zechariah 9:9-10). St. Paul reminds us that life in the Spirit frees us from living according to our disordered passions (Romans 8:9-13). In the Gospel, Jesus invites us, "Come to me...and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30), offering peace to those willing to place their burdens in His hands.
One of Fr. Patrick's most memorable insights comes from St. Thomas Aquinas' understanding of meekness. Rather than suppressing emotions, meekness rightly orders them. Anger, frustration, disappointment, and the "big feelings" of everyday life aren't sinful simply because we experience them. The real work of discipleship is allowing Christ to shape how we respond.
That can mean pausing before reacting, embracing uncomfortable moments with humility, or even viewing everyday frustrations as opportunities to grow in virtue. As Fr. Patrick explains, the goal isn't to become emotionless. It's to become free.
Jesus reveals Himself not to those who have everything figured out, but to the "little ones." When we acknowledge our need for Him, He meets us there with the peace that the world cannot give.
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