A worker writes:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Burdens are increasing for everyone in Tunisia, but even more so for the humble and little in the land.

Economic burdens; everything is more expensive, yet salaries are identical and incomes of the non-salaried are decreasing. Emotionally; the hope of change that the revolution had lit is dying off and some areas of the country are exposed to fear and insecurity with terrorists and lawlessness increasing. Spiritual burdens are especially heavier: Social pressure on what women and men should wear? What is haram? Halal? Or simply not proper? Things like swimming, going to weddings in mixed company, saying the name of your town as you were told since childhood if it starts with “Sidi”… and above all rules, rules and rules, hadith and traditions and this and that from preacher X or Y or Z, generally from the Gulf. I can understand Jesus’ harshness of words at the pharisees: They are making life harder for the common folks and don’t bring them closer to God.

I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Have you? Are you?

Jesus, you are indeed “gentle and humble in heart” in you, we “will find rest for our souls”. But how will the little ones in the land be able to hear: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me”? Spirit of God come, the people are burdened and tired.