HEAVY BURDENS

PRAYER MOMENT

Tuesday 18 March 2014

HEAVY BURDENS

Pause. Be still in the presence of God.

Reading: “They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders. ” (Matt 23:1-12)

Reflection. We define “clericalism” as an attitude of inward looking self-serving preservation. It promotes a group who are “apart” from others. Jesus was fierce in his condemnation of the way the scribes and the Pharisees used their position to promote their own sense of importance at the expense of others. And we have to call it what it is, a sin, when we advance our own interests in this way. On the other hand both readings today insist that compassion for others – “the oppressed, the orphan, the widow” - is a fast track to removing all sin. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Is 1:10, 16-20). In fact, a compassionate heart, an attitude of service and love  for others comes through as the sure way of breaking through all barriers and reaching God.                  

Prayer. Lord, give us a generous heart, forgetful of self and eager to reach out to others in their suffering. Amen.

David Harold-Barry SJ