Why Jesus' burden is light

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season : 2nd Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Jn 10:11-16*

*First Reading : Eph 3:8-12*

*Why Jesus' burden is light*

*1) The burden of the Jewish Law*

The Pharisees had added around  600 regulations to the original Sabbath law, regarding what qualified as “working” on the Sabbath. That is a heavy burden!

So the observance of sabbath really became a heavy burden on the people 

In fact people were finding it very hard to observe the Sabbath

*2) Jesus' burden is light*

In the context of 600 regulations of the Pharisees, Jesus' one commandment should be seen 

Jesus had only one commandment, that is love of God and love of the neighbour 

Comparing to 600 rigid laws, Jesus' one commandment is far superior, and its burden becomes very light 

That is why Jesus says, my burden is very light

*3) How the burden becomes light?*

The Commandment of love depends on these things 

*Forgiveness* When someone forgives, the whole burden becomes very light 

*Humility* This is the another way which makes the burden very light 

*Compassion* This is another aspect which has the capacity to lighten the burden 

*Sacrifice* The sacrifice comes with inner convictions. When some one is able to make some little sacrifice, the joy which one gets through this gesture, can't get in anything else. Ultimately this lightens ones burden

*Word of God* Gives a kind of solace and happiness. Ultimately it lightens ones burden 

*Sacraments* All the sacraments were instituted by Jesus. Celebration of the sacraments, make our life holy, which in turn lightens our burden 

*4) Burden depends on ones convictions*

One who is inspired by Jesus and His teaching, is ready to do any sacrifice for the sake of faith 

To such persons any burden appears as light and able to carry at any cost 

So it also depends on ones convictions about something. That makes the burden light 

*5) Jesus has shared our burden*

When Jesus' burden becomes light, our burden also becomes light 

One of the reasons for the light burden is that, Jesus has already took the burden on himself and has made it very light 

Secondly, Jesus is also accompanying  with us helping us to carry the burden 

So this reduces the burden of the load 

*6) My life*

Do I feel that the burden of my life is heavy or light?

Do I feel that Jesus is accompanying in my journey of life? 

Do I feel that Jesus is carrying my burden to make it light for me? 

What is the burden which of my life, which bothers me??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*