Today's Gospel message is consoling especially for those who are labour and heavy laden. In Jesus' context, these referred to those who found the laws of the Scribes and Pharisees an unbearable burden. They were the marginalized, outcasts and sinners whom the religious leaders despised. Jesus offered them rest which was the gift of the Kingdom. So Jesus is inviting the same categories of people today - those who suffer from exploitation, prejudices and rejection by the society.

We are also invited by Jesus today to rest in Him and to accept Him as our Saviour and Lord. This acceptance of Jesus reveals to us that His yoke is light. The same consolation can be experienced by reflecting on the first reading wherein Isaiah says "those who hope in Yahweh renew their strength, they put out wings like eagles, they run and do not grow weary, walk and never tire". This is the promise of Jesus Christ to all who feel overburdened because they can certainly draw strength from Him. During this Advent season, let us live as authentic Christians and find strength in the Risen Lord as we welcome Him in the simple and the poor who are rejected by society.