De Jugo Christi (On the Yoke of Christ)

Taken from Medulla S. Thomae Aquinatis which arranges various short texts from St. Thomas Aquinas' corpus based on the liturgical year. I will be posting the day's meditation each day and will be bringing it into print once I'm through it.

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February 7th

On the Yoke of Christ

I. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: Take therefore my yoke, namely the Gospel instruction. For the whole new law consists in two things: in meekness and humility. By meekness a man is ordered with respect to neighbor. By humility, one is ordered with respect to himself and with respect to God. But to whom will I have respect, but to him that is poor and little, and of a contrite spirit, and that trembles at my words? (Isa 66:2). Hence humility makes a man receptive of God.

II. He speaks of the utility of bearing the yoke: Come to me and I will refresh you. What is this refreshment? You will find rest for your souls. For the body is not refreshed for as long as it is affected; and when it is no longer affected, then it is said to be refreshed. And just as hunger is in the body, so desi