To every toiling, heavy-laden sinner, Jesus says, "Come to me and rest". But there are many toiling, heavy-laden believers, too. For them this same invitation is meant. Note well the words of Jesus, if you are heavy-laden with your service, and do not mistake it. It is not, "Go, labor on," as perhaps you imagine. On the contrary, it is stop, turn back, "Come to me and rest." Never, never did Christ send a heavy laden one to work; never, never did He send a hungry one, a weary one, a sick or sorrowing one, away on any service. For such the Bible only says, "Come, come, come." 
- James Hudson Taylor

(It is good to remember this invitation of Jesus to take time to rest, especially by taking time to be with Him in prayer. This is especially so during busy and stressful times.)

GN 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67;    PS 106:1-5;    MT 9:9-13

R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Who can tell the mighty deeds of the LORD,
or proclaim all his praises?

Blessed are they who observe what is right,
who do always what is just.
Remember us, O LORD, as you favor your people. 

Visit me with your saving help,
That I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,
rejoice in the joy of your people,
and glory with your inheritance.





In today's Gospel, we read that:  "As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.  He said to him, 'Follow me.' And he got up and followed him."  I marvel at what seems like Matthew's immediate response to Jesus.  Unlike me when I drew back and hesitated upon receiving the note from my friend, Matthew seemed so sure of himself when he "got up" and followed Jesus. . .

How has God called you or me lately?  God speaks through people, events, literature, relationships, prayer, fine arts, nature, scripture and countless other ways.  Have you and I spent time recently reflecting and paying attention?  Sometimes God's message is very subtle.  Other times the message is very clear.   If we put aside our everyday distractions and take time to reflect upon our lives, we might just hear God say:  "This sounds like you.  Come follow me." 

- by Susan Naatz

Selected Quotes from St. John of the Cross on the Journey of the Soul to God by Contemplation

- from Ascent of Mt. Carmel

Bk. 3. Ch. 15. #1. The aim is union with God in the memory. 

#2. Images will always help a person toward union with God, provided he allows himself to soar (when God bestows the favor) from the painted image to the living God.

Bk. 3. Ch. 17. #1. In passive joy the will finds itself rejoicing without any clear and direct understanding of the object of its joy.

- compiled by James and Tyra Arraj