The Hidden Life of Jesus

The largest part of Jesus’ life was hidden. Jesus lived with his parents in Nazareth, “under their authority” (Luke 2:51), and there “increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and with people” (Luke 2:52). When we think about Jesus we mostly think about his words and miracles, his passion, death, and resurrection, but we should never forget that before all of that Jesus lived a simple, hidden life in a small town, far away from all the great people, great cities, and great events. Jesus’ hidden life is very important for our own spiritual journeys. If we want to follow Jesus by words and deeds in the service of his Kingdom, we must first of all strive to follow Jesus in his simple, unspectacular, and very ordinary hidden life.

Henri Nouwen

Rest For The Weary

Last summer, a hailstorm damaged the roof of our house. When it came time to replace it, heavy bundles of shingles arrived. A lift hoisted the entire pallet to the roof, where several men unloaded the bundles and distributed them across the top. I asked my husband why the pallet couldn’t be left in place in a single stack. “Each bundle weighs about 70 pounds,” he said. “If the pallet were left intact, the weight could compromise the integrity of the rafters. The load could come crashing through the ceiling.”
The weight of the pallet reminded me of the burdens I sometimes carry. Whether they are relational, financial, health-related, or simply part of the busyness of everyday life, trying to deal with the issues alone is always overwhelming. It can weaken me and make me less productive.
Jesus reminds us that we don’t have to struggle on our own with fears, worries, or trials that weigh us down. He invites each of us to come to him when we are tired from carrying heavy burdens and promises that we will find rest. That’s a promise we can always rely on.

Marlene Briggs (South Dakota, USA)

Thought for the Day: God is always ready to share the weight of my burdens.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to cast our burdens on you and to remember how much you love us. Amen.

Prayer Focus: THOSE WITHOUT SHELTER