The Alphabet of Lent – Letter I
I for Invitation
Invitations – we receive all kinds of them.
In times past, we used to receive them in the mail, or someone brought them to us.
Nowadays, the emails and social media bring them to us with an amazing frequency!
Invitation to join a group.
Invitation to take part in a celebration.
Invitation to collect funds for a certain cause.
Invitation to help some people in need.
Invitation for some teamwork here, or there.
Invitation to walk for, or against, a given situation.
Invitation to a meeting of former students of this college, or that association.
Invitations, again and again… each with its own face:
family reunion, gathering of friends, political meeting, religious celebration…
If I asked you if you ever received an invitation from… Jesus, what would your reaction be?
He has indeed addressed one which is clearly presented in the gospel of Matthew:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;
for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light » (Matthew 11:28-30).
An invitation that is absolutely unique.
And it comes from someone who knows us well –
someone who knows how much we sometimes need rest…
Someone who understands how we are sometimes exhausted –
with no energy, no courage, not even with the desire to go on living…
He invites us to be his disciples because he knows that this is what will give meaning to our life.
To follow him, the Master, will give a direction to our daily experiences… a vision to our commitments…
A Master who is “gentle and lowly in heart” – a description that is rare and so encouraging!
We should not miss such an invitation…
Source: Image: pexels.com (amine)
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