Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 / Matthew 11:28-30
It is very difficult to move around in things that don't fit.
If our clothes or shoes are too tight or too loose, our movement becomes cumbersome and awkward and restricted.
On the other hand, good fitting clothes and shoes put us at ease and they won't bother us.
During the time of Jesus, a yoke is put on an ox to pull the plough for the farmer.
And there are no ready-made yokes. The carpenter had to come and take measurements of the ox or oxen and then proceed to make the yoke.
Hence, the yoke is always custom-made for the ox, to ensure a good fit so that it won't burden the ox unnecessarily.
So if we find life burdensome, or frustrating, then we need to ask ourselves why?
Are we taking on too many things in life that are draining us away? Or our directions in life not in accordance with the direction that God wants for us?
If so, then we are like wearing the wrong clothes and the wrong shoes. We will find life burdensome and frustrating and tiring.
But as the 1st reading says: Lord, you are giving us peace, since you treat us as our deeds deserve.
When we follow the path of God's judgements and directions, then our hope is in the Lord, for the path of the upright man is straight and the way is smooth for the upright.
When we learn from Jesus how to shoulder the yoke of the Lord, then we will find rest and peace. For the yoke that God gives us is easy and the burden will be light.