Saturday, October 4, 2014 (St. Francis of Assisi)

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Matthew 11:25-30 - The Feast of St. Francis

              One of the images which is found at the end of the quotation from St Matthew’s Gospel, may have been more accessible in a culture more attuned to a more agrarian way of life.

Jesus says,” Bend your necks to my yoke, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble-hearted; and your souls will find relief. For my yoke is good to bear, my load is light.” (Matthew 11: 29-30)

               A yoke is a farming instrument which allows for two animals to work side by side, as they pull a heavy load together. They work as a team. Neither one is expected to shoulder the entire burden. If oxen are used to form the team, even the phrase,”…a yoke of oxen…”, is used to describe them.

Add cahttp://www.stfrancis-roguevalley-ofs.com/ption

               I find that the image of the yoke fits wonderfully into the image of ministry personified by St Francis. Here was a person whose life was framed as a financially secure warrior, whose social position was also secure, due to his family’s business success. A major turn around occurs, Francis sheds his former way of life and dedicates himself to a life of poverty and commitment of service in the name of his Lord.

               It is that daring transition which is so transformative in his life experience that deserves further reflection. Francis was under constant scrutiny by his family, who he turned away from. He was also the focus of attention by the Church, that he turned towards. Francis, as any of us, could not, and did not, manage that transition by himself.

               It was in partnership[p with his Lord, that Francis was able to be a renewing and transformative force in the life of the Church in his day and age. It was in partnership with his Lord, that the message of environmental stewardship continues to ring true in our own day and age. It was in partnership with his Lord that the desire to be a channel of Peace in a world torn apart by war and by terror in all its forms, could be expressed.

One of the traditions of Sacramental ministry is the sign and symbol of the liturgical vestment known as a Stole. For some, the experience of putting on a Stole, prior to leading worship, begins with an act of reverence of kissing a small cross, which is usually embroidered at the top of the neck. There is, in that moment, an appreciation for putting on the yoke of Christ and sharing in Christ’s ministry; yoked together.

               All of us through our Baptism are yoked with Jesus. The yoke is a sign and symbol of faith that carries a special meaning for those who seek to visually express what it means to share the journey, the ministry and the burden of each day with Jesus.     

- The Reverend Canon Christopher Pratt