Walk softly and carry a big stick

Walk softly and carry a big stick is the first thing I thought of when I read the title to today’s Gospel – The Gentle Mastery of Christ.

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

Throughout all of Scripture, Jesus speaks softly. He is extremely gentle and yet His words and actions have power beyond measure. People follow Him, they listen to Him, they’re healed by Him. I would say Jesus is a shining example of what it means to walk softly and carry a big stick.

A barrage

So many thoughts crossed my mind today as I read this Gospel passage and unpacked each word. For one, when I read yoke I thought of that part of a shirt or garment that covers the shoulders. That description led me to think of a baptismal garment. Jesus is telling us to put on our baptismal garment and follow Him? Maybe.

Then I thought about yoke as a frame that fits over a person’s neck and shoulders used to carry pails or baskets. THEN it made more sense to me. Balance came to mind. The balance between meekness and humility.

here i go again

To be meek is to be submissive and to be humble is to have a low estimate of your own importance. So Jesus is meek and humble of heart and He wants us to learn from Him. Sooooooo, wait for it………….we’re called by Christ to be CONTEMPLATIVES (meek; submissive) in ACTION (humble of heart; compassionate). Balancing stillness before God with our action in the world (charity and work for justice). We are called to do both, walk softly and carry a big stick!

the freedom in limitation

A tall order, I know. I don’t think there are too many people out there who are good, focused or consistent in both, contemplation and action. It’s either one or the other or neither. Admitting our limitations frees us up to beg for the grace to grow in the areas we are lacking.

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. He gives us the strength we need to follow His lead no matter how unable or unworthy we are. He is with us every step of the way!

Are you following Christ’s lead when it comes to contemplation (practicing stillness and silence – click here to see Fr. Thomas Keating explain Centering Prayer) and action (being charitable and/or working for justice in a peaceful manner)? Where are you lacking? Will you beg for grace today? Beg for the grace to grow as a disciple who is called to both contemplation AND action.

God bless you!