Day by day they appear at our doors. They arrive by mail and e-mail, by telephone and television, by newspapers and even in person. We call them invitations. A friend is getting married. A school is raising funds. A store is having a sale. A special event is about to happen. YOU ARE INVITED.

There is a deeply personal and eternally significant invitation that I extend to you today. It comes not from me but from our Lord. Here is what it says:

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, 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."

Jesus of Nazareth requests the honor
of your presence,
The Lord of sea and sky has heard
his people cry.
The Lord of snow and rain has felt
his people's pain.…