Thursday of the 15th week in Ordinary Time

What Are You Carrying? Bring It to Jesus

In our first reading today from Exodus 3:13-20, we find Moses standing on holy ground, overwhelmed by the call God places on his life. He’s being sent to confront Pharaoh, to lead an entire people out of slavery — a task that seems far beyond his strength or qualifications. In fact, Moses immediately asks, ‘What if they ask me who sent me? What shall I say to them?’ He’s unsure, maybe even afraid. He sees more clearly what he lacks than what God can give.

And yet, God simply says, ‘I AM who I AM… I will be with you.’ God promises His presence, not a detailed blueprint, not an easy road, but a relationship — a nearness. The burden may stay heavy, but Moses will not carry it alone.

Then we hear Jesus in the Gospel, Matthew 11:28-30 saying, ‘Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy and my burden light.’ That same voice that spoke to Moses now invites us in our own exhaustion, confusion, or fear. He doesn’t deny that there is a yoke — He invites us to take His yoke upon us. Why? Because He bears it with us. In the weariness of our lives, we are not meant to carry things alone.

Let me ask you today: What is it that is tiring you?

For some, it might be a family burden that keeps your heart heavy. For others, a persistent temptation that seems never to go away. Perhaps you’re tired in your faith, worn down by discouragement, by unanswered prayers, or the feeling that no matter how much you give, it never seems to make a difference.

If that’s you, hear Jesus’ words again: ‘Come to me. I will give you rest.’ The rest He offers is not escape, but peace in the middle of struggle. He doesn’t always change our circumstances immediately, but He changes us — strengthens us, carries us.

Moses had to go back to Egypt. We’re all still called to live out our vocations in the midst of a broken world. But the question is: will we lay our burdens down at the feet of Jesus before we go?

So today, whether you’re exhausted by expectations, drained from relationships, burdened by grief or sin or fear — bring it to Him. Not just in theory, but tangibly: lay it at His feet. Maybe after Mass today, take a few extra minutes before the tabernacle. Don’t just pray words — hand Him your weariness.

The God who came down to lead Israel out of slavery, the Savior who took our burden to the Cross, still says to us daily: ‘Come to me. Let me carry what is crushing you.’

May we have the courage and trust to do just that.