One obstacle for persons trying to deepen their relationship with God is not sin but problems. We tend to think that since we have finally come to God, He owes it to us to make our lives happy and comfortable.
Of course, the sources of our problems are manifold. There are problems that we bring upon ourselves through our sinful ways and wrong choices. There are problems brought about by others’ envy, jealousy and selfish schemes. There are problems that are a consequence of social evils like corruption and unjust structures of business and politics. There are also problems that we encounter as part of our ongoing spiritual warfare, such as diabolical obsessions (mental harassments), diabolical infestations (undue fears and phobias), diabolical harassment (unexplained physical pains and illnesses). There are burdens that God allows to try and temper us. In the face of these possible root causes of problems, we always have to seek God’s wisdom and enlightenment.
Our Gospel today reveals one of Jesus’ intimate moments with the Father. We realize that it is not God’s way to exempt us from pains and sorrows. God’s way is to empower and equip us with His love and graces so that we may experience God as someone greater than our burdens. God’s way is to accompany us, to walk with us. This is Jesus’ mission as God’s Word Incarnate.
I was given a unique grace to understand the message of today’s Gospel when, in the course of my pilgrimage in Northern Italy, our group visited the birthplace of the Servant of God Thecla Merlo, cofoundress of the Daughters of St. Paul. Inside the chapel at the basement of her parents’ house stands a wooden altar with columns that beautifully feature a double yoke used to fasten oxen to oxcarts or plows. Two oxen under the double yoke would share the work to be done. This is what Jesus meant: The yoke is easy because He walks parallel to us, like a second oxen sharing the workload.Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP
Reflection Question:
What great burden have you carried lately? How did you manage to go through the experience? What made your burden seem lighter?
Lord, help me to trust in the truth that You are there to walk with me in all my trials and difficulties. Amen.
St. Bladus, pray for us.
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