Director of Assessment and Order Documentarian at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
“He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound.”
Many of us at this time of year know what it is to be weary. For those who study or teach, the end of a semester brings pressure to get everything done in time. Single parents and low-wage earners struggling to manage multiple jobs race to keep up with the demands of children, commuting, the daily grind. When life is pressing, rest usually is the first thing to be sacrificed.
There is another kind of weariness that too many of us know, as well. The weary soul is tired from worrying about not being good enough, tired of hiding from the truth, tired of always having to wear the happy face. Though we can cover things up and pretend that life is fine, sin saps life like nothing else.
To all those growing faint with weariness, Jesus speaks words of peace. Come, he says, and find rest for your soul. Stop being divided of heart, and know the strength that comes from being single-hearted. Know that my mercy and forgiveness are greater than any sin that might worry your soul. Know that my abundant providence is more generous than anything your scraping, scrounging efforts might be able to produce. I am enough, he says. Keep your eyes on me, he says, and I will be your strength.
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