Often times, our friends will ask us, "How are you doing?"; "How is your
St Augustine of Hippo once remarked: "Our hearts are restless O Lord, until they rest in you" Actually, most biblical scholars have agreed that there is only once when Jesus spoke of His own heart and that is in Matthew 11:29 "Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in *heart*, and you will find rest for your souls".
The rabbis spoke of the yoke of Torah and the yoke of the Kingdom. Here it refers to Jesus' interpretation of the law. However, Jesus as humble is both the model teacher and the ideal subject matter since he is Torah personified. Interestingly, it was with this gentle and humble heart that He was obedient to the Father's will🙏🏻.
His heart is full of love and peace and forgiveness and gentleness and meekness and compassion. Knowing what the heart of Jesus is like, what can we say of our own hearts? Or what would God say of our own hearts?
Our hearts may be restless like St Augustine remarked. It may be clouded with doubt, and caused us to be tired and weary, and stumble along the way of life. But, there is hope. Jesus tells us to come to Him and learn from Him, to be gentle and humble of heart and we will find rest for our souls.
In comparison with the halaka of the Pharisees, Jesus' teaching is quantitatively easier because it is shorter and centered on the essential. But, in view of the exceeding righteousness demanded in Matt. 5, 20 ("For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven"), it is qualitatively more difficult, because the demands of love of God and neighbour are inexhaustible.
I pray for you today, as you step out for your daily struggle, may you have a heart like that of Jesus. A heart that is gentle and humble, and full of love and compassion. Enjoy the rest of the day. Ciao!
Guten Morgen!
Rabbi 👍🏻
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