Come to me, all you that are weary

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Taedet animam meam vitae meae

The Choir of Westminster Cathedral

Today is Thursday the 16th of July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time.

The choir of Westminster Cathedral, directed by David Hill, sing Victoria’s Taedet animam meam: ‘My soul is weary of my life.’ Perhaps you feel a bit weary yourself today, even now as you’re trying to pray – not in the mood – too busy, too preoccupied, too tired.

But if that is how you find yourself right now, just acknowledge that feeling, and present yourself, nonetheless, to God, just as you are. And God will listen to you, and accept you, just as you are.

Tædet animam meam vitæ meæ; dimittam adversum me eloquium meum, loquar in amaritudine animæ meæ.

Dicam Deo: Noli me condemnare: indica mihi cur me ita judices.

Numquid bonum tibi videtur, si calumnieris me et oprimas me, opus manuum tuarum, et consilium impiorum adjuves?

Numquid oculi carnei tibi sunt: aut sicut videt homo, et tu videbis?

Numquid sicut dies hominis dies tui, et anni tui sicut humana sunt tempora,

ut quæras iniquitatem meam, et peccatum meum scruteris?

Et scias quia nihil impium fecerim, cum sit nemo qui de manu tua possit eruere?

My soul is weary of my life; I will unleash my speech against myself, I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

I will say unto God: Do not condemn me; reveal to me why thou judgest me thus.

Does it seem good to thee that thou accuse me and oppress me, the work of thy hands, and aid the counsel of the wicked?

Hast thou eyes of flesh, or seest thou as man seeth?

Are thy days as the days of man, and thy years as the times of men?

That thou wouldst seek after my wickedness, and search after my sin?

And wouldst know that I have done nothing wicked, there being none who can deliver from thy hand?

3:14

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

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.’

4:29

guiding light

soma sova

Sometimes, when we listen to the gospel, we may feel overwhelmed by what God is asking of us. Today, however, we are reminded of another side of God - compassion and a deep understanding of what it means to be human. We hear Jesus calling, “Come to me.” What does it mean to hear him speak these words to you now? What is your response?

“Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.” In a world that often prizes confidence and strength, we are offered not only consolation but a different way of being.

We might take a moment to place ourselves in this moment with Jesus. Notice his presence. Hear the gentleness in his voice as he invites you to come closer. How might you practise gentleness and humility in your own encounters?

As you listen to the passage again, reflect on the burdens you have placed on yourself, and ask for the courage to release what is not yours to carry.

7:49

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.’

8:43

“You will find rest for your souls.”

It is okay to acknowledge the weariness that can come with life. In these final moments of prayer, trust in his invitation, accept the gift of resting more deeply in God's love.

11:01

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen