14th Sunday, Year A: by Rev. Fr. Justin Adiele
THEME: “ALLEVIATING THE BURDEN OF OTHERS”
INTRODUCTION
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus invites us to the ministry of alleviating people’s burden, learning from him. As a matter of charity, our life/mere existence, our presence, our activities, our contributions, our donations, our involvement, and our advice must translate into putting away from others, some moral, physical, financial, psychological, ethical, or societal burden/pain. It is only the person who has the Spirit of Christ and who is driven by the Spirit of Christ can achieve this state of life/existence. Is your very existence a relief or a burden to others?
THE FIRST READING (ZECH. 9: 9–10)
In the first reading the Lord bid the daughter of Zion to rejoice for he is coming to bring victory, triumph, peace and end of wars. This reveals the core intention of God towards all his people; his coming brings nothing to them but a certainty of joy. We can also ask ourselves today, how many people can rejoice at our coming? Is there a certainty of joy amidst your kinsmen at the mention of your name? Are we responsible for the escalation of wars, destruction, troubles, sorrows and deaths amidst our people? Does our involvement bring about restoration of peace, unity, order and progress? Like people who are led by God, we must align with God’s core intention for his people in this first reading to bring about a certain relief and holy joy to others.
THE SECOND READING (ROM. 8: 9. 11–13)
In the second reading, St. Paul urged us to stop living in the flesh but to live in the Spirit of God which urges us on to always live in a manner that is for the wellbeing of ourselves and others. The Spirit of God can never lead us to steal, oppress, discriminate, hurt or even avenge the other. Once we are led by the Spirit of God, we have already queued into the ministry of alleviating the burden or problems of others, and our life poses no threat to others.
THE GOSPEL READING (MT. 11: 25–30)
In the gospel reading, we saw Jesus’ general or even universal invitation to all: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. The ministry of alleviating life’s burden is for all not for a few. The art of alleviating the burden, suffering, sorrows, pains and plight of life is the hallmark of a good person, a good leader, a good government and a good system. Anyone, any leader, any government, and any system that fails to master or achieve the above art, but rather compounds the burden and woes of life, has failed God and humanity.
Jesus also mentioned that he would give us a lighter yoke; meaning that he is not taking all our burdens away. This also means that everyone must bear some load/burden in life such as not to overburden our helpers. Here, Jesus is not encouraging any form of laziness; we shouldn’t abandon the whole work of carrying or alleviating our life’s burdens to any of our helpers, be it God himself, our parents, uncles, Church or government. Everyone must have at least a minimum input/effort in cooperating with those that are assisting in alleviating our life’s burden.
CONCLUSION
Recently, the “Happy Boys” who were spotted dancing at their work place in Nigeria, were offered scholarship or “help” by one pastor to study at Cyprus. It brought them great rejoicing, knowing that their life’s burden and challenges are alleviated and their life expectancy improved. Later, they were spotted dolling designers wears and chains, popping champagnes and whining in the club. Later they complained that their scholarship has been terminated and they have dropped out of school because of lack of school fees. Perhaps they thought that the pastor would take 100% of their life’s burden including their fake life. They failed to cooperate with their helper by at least shedding some aspects of their social life. And their joy seems to be cut short. Don’t make the same mistake!
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin