My Burden Is Light: Suffering and Consolation in the Christian Life

My Burden Is Light: Suffering and Consolation in the Christian Life

By St. John of Avila · Translated by Brandon P. Otto  · Published by TAN Books

Overview

Christ’s words, “My yoke is sweet and my burden light,” ring true in a world marked by both daily aggravations and life-altering sorrows. Our crosses are real, but Christ does not leave us to carry them alone. The battle has already been won by His love, yet we must remain vigilant as we press toward eternal rest.

In these sermons, St. John of Avila, the thirty-fourth Doctor of the Church, offers the consolation of Christ’s own example and that of the saints, including St. Francis of Assisi. He instructs, edifies, and challenges the attentive soul, strengthening us to embrace the redemptive suffering of this life with hope fixed on the beatific vision.

Published for the first time in English, this carefully translated selection of sermons will be a steady spiritual aid for anyone walking the path to holiness.

• Understand why Christ’s “burden” is light, even amid real suffering
• Learn how the saints endured trials with supernatural hope and vigilance
• Strengthen your endurance through pastoral preaching from a Doctor of the Church
• See how redemptive suffering purifies the soul and deepens union with Christ
• Receive practical consolation for persevering toward eternal rest

From the Book

“Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.”
— Matthew 11:28–30

Intended Audience

For Catholics seeking real consolation and clarity amid suffering, for anyone carrying heavy burdens in family life, work, illness, or grief, and for priests and catechists who want classic, mission-aligned preaching to strengthen souls in perseverance and hope.

FAQs

Is this book more devotional or more theological?
It is both, rooted in solid doctrine but written to console, instruct, and move the reader toward practical perseverance and holiness.

Is this really the first time it’s available in English?
Yes. This edition presents selected sermons of St. John of Avila, carefully translated and published for the first time in English.