Burden of the Cross v. Burden of Sin

Today’s Gospel was taken from Luke 14:25-35. Our Savior tells us that

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple…So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

In the Gospel from last night (Matthew 11:25-30), our Savior invites us to

Come to Me, all you 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.

How is the cross of discipleship a burden that is easy, light, and restful? St. John Chrysostom’s homily on Matthew 11 deals with this paradox in a beautiful way. You can read his homily here, starting at paragraph 3.