he eleventh and twelfth chapters of Matthew illustrate again and again the authority of Jesus. In today's text, for example, Jesus claims that he is the Son of God who alone knows the Father and who alone is known by him. Only I, Jesus says, can reveal God to you - and I choose to do so. What follows are some of the most comforting words to be found in Scripture: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

I don't know about you, but I get tired. I get tired of too many things to do and of too many deadlines to meet. I get worn down by too many places to go and by too many problems to solve, or at l…