A yoke is a wooden beam used to fasten beasts of burden to pull a plough, thus invoking imagery of hardship and bondage. It is also associated with the Law of Moses, with its many Commandments viewed as unjustly burdensome.

Jesus comes to declare that His yoke is easy and His burden light. How can something be onerous and yet light at the same time? The way to understand this is that farmers tailor-make a yoke to put on the necks of two oxen; an older, stronger and more experienced one, and a younger animal. The latter is guided by and learns from the former. The yoke is carefully adjusted to fit well so as not to cause discomfort or pain. Both oxen could then pull the plough in unison, rendering us a profound image of Christian discipleship - that of Jesus and us yoked together. Discipleship begins with metanoia, the spiritual conversion that involves a complete turning away from sinful ways and turning to God in repentance. By His graces, He guides us to live out our Christian vocation to bring His light to this darkened world of ours. When we are yoked to Christ, we are given the Holy Spirit to carry it with joy amidst sufferings, because He bears the load with us.

If Jesus were to place His yoke on your shoulders, calling you to His mission of humble service, will you accept it wholeheartedly, returning love for love?