Scripture
Matthew 11: 28-30
Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Ignatian Reflection
Take Up Christ’s Yoke
The kind of yoke that Jesus has in mind with this teaching would be a wooden yoke that hangs over the necks of two oxen (or horses) for the purpose of pulling something like a plow, cart, or wagon. The yoke focuses the attention and strength of the two animals into one, lightening the burden on each animal, making the work easier. This yoke teaches the animals to work together and to support one another.
From this idea, Jesus’ yoke gives us focus, and turns us toward the same direction as Jesus, to be united in accomplishing his work. The work becomes easier and lighter as we are doing God’s will -- we are working with the same purpose as Jesus Christ. It is not “my will be done…” but “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
We can place other kinds of yokes on others, and some have been placed on us—burdensome, judgmental, and controlling ones. What criticisms, complaints, anger, resentments, prejudices, racism, or sexism do I carry within me that burden my heart and restrict my freedom to love and embrace others? What interior and outward work must I do to remove these yokes from myself and from others, so that together we may take up Christ’s yoke, which is easier and lighter?
—Fr. Glen Chun, SJ, a priest of the Midwest Province, is community minister of Bellarmine House of Studies in St. Louis.
Ignatian Prayer
Jul 16, 2026
Prayer
Oh Lord, my God!
I have tried to take up your yoke alongside with you, and like Simeon, to share with you in carrying the cross of salvation.
But the cart behind me is attached to the yoke of my human ways, and full of stuff, that limits my ability to follow you: goods of the world, but way too many; detritus of my hurts and pains from growing up, and judgement and criticism from others that I continue to hang onto. Most hurtful are those that keep adding to the pile: my own judgements, cruelties, and injustices that I store in me to be heaped onto my sisters and brothers.
Oh Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.
—Fr. Glen Chun, SJ
The Daily Examen is a prayer technique developed by St. Ignatius to help us reflect on the events of the day to discern God's presence and direction. When Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, he required the Jesuits to practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It's a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
The Examen structure presented below is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. Click here for more information from our partners in ministry at Loyola Press.
Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God's presence
God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude
God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions
God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it
God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow
As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
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