The Sacraments: The Sweet Yoke of Jesus

In this powerful reflection, Fr. Chris Alar unpacks a profound truth about the difference between the Old and New Covenants—between the heavy burden of the Mosaic Law and the life-giving grace of Christ. Under the Old Law, the Jewish people carried a demanding weight: 613 commandments, strict rituals, and continual sacrifices. These pointed toward God’s plan, but they could not yet offer the full healing of the soul. The burden was great, but the reward remained distant.

Now, through Jesus Christ, the yoke is lighter—but the reward is eternal. Christ fulfilled the law and gave us something far greater: the sacraments. These are not man-made traditions but real, tangible encounters with God’s grace. Baptism cleanses the soul, the Eucharist feeds it, Confession restores it, and the rest of the sacraments sanctify us throughout every stage of life. They are how we receive Christ’s strength to carry our crosses and grow in holiness—not by our own power, but through His.

Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, and My burden light”—not because there’s no struggle, but because now the burden is carried with Him. The Old Law demanded much but gave little. The New Covenant asks for our hearts—and gives us everything.

Take a step today: return to the sacraments. If it’s been a while, go to Confession. Re-engage with the Mass. Let grace do what effort alone never could.

To watch the full Mass, live or on demand, visit DivineMercyPlus.org or download the Divine Mercy Plus app. To go deeper, get Fr. Chris Alar’s book, Understanding the Sacraments, available now at ShopMercy.org

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