In just a few short weeks, our 47th Diocesan Convention will convene. After two long years of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Convention theme this year is “Bringing Our Weariness and Burdens to Jesus,” a theme inspired by Jesus’ words recorded in Matthew 11: 28-30 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
What burdens have the past years of the pandemic placed on you? What wearies you? What fears haunt your spirit? What losses or changes weigh you with grief? If Jesus were to sit down with you and offer rest, what would you tell him? What rest do you need from Jesus?
During Convention, delegates will have opportunities in small groups to share their stories and to talk about their burdens. Our purpose will not be to fix or solve one another’s burdens, but to share them as each person is willing and able. In sharing them together we will offer them prayerfully to Jesus who alone can give the rest we need.
I encourage everyone to take some time as we prepare for Diocesan Convention to pray and meditate on Jesus’ offer to take your burdens and weariness. Even if you are not serving as a Delegate, you are invited to participate in our common prayer to Jesus for rest, renewal, and hope. You might consider writing down your answers to the meditation questions above. If you are inclined, you might send your prayer petitions–the burdens or weariness you wish to give to Jesus, with your Convention Delegate to be offered at the Convention Healing Service.
Jesus is our rest, our hope, and our healing.
