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Commentary on the Gospel for Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Different types of burdens
Human life is never free of burdens. Some are heavier than others. Some are given by the natural course of events, and others are imposed by those who would like to be more, to rule, to dominate. Today’s Gospel readings, both the Ordinary Time Gospel and the Marian Gospel, speak of burdens in different ways. In Luke, the burdens are placed by the teachers of the law, who impose absurd burdens and norms on the people, but do not lift a finger to help carry them. In Matthew, the burden is placed by Jesus Himself. But it is a gentle, light burden. It is a «yoke. And in the yoke, two heads are connected, so that the burden is carried between two heads. And in this case, the other head is that of Christ Himself. «My yoke is easy,» he says. But we have to learn from him. The burdens of the teachers of the law cannot be carried because they are imposed out of arrogance and pride.
But on the other side of the yoke that Jesus presents to us is his head, which is gentle, unlike the one that imposes burdens.
It is to be expected that if one of the oxen carrying the yoke is stubborn, insolent, rebellious and independent, and the other is gentle and meek, things will be difficult. It will not be possible to walk or move forward. The Lord will pull to the side of his wisdom, goodness and truth, and the other to his taste, comfort and feeling. He will want to do his own will instead of God’s will, and this will make the task very difficult. Moreover, if the burden is carried reluctantly, without counting on help, with insolence and rebellion, the weariness of the task will be greater because of the energy expended in the struggle… But the Lord invites us to rest, to walk with Him in the same direction, knowing that He carries half the burden and is therefore gentle. And then comes the promised relief.