The Shoulder and Finger Images by Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twentieth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 21:1-12*

*First Reading : Ru 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : 128:1b-2, 3, 4, 5*

*The Shoulder and Finger Images by Jesus*

*1) The Shoulder – Image of Imposed Weight*

The shoulder is a symbol of burden-bearing, responsibility, and labor. 

To place something on someone’s shoulders means to demand effort, performance, or obedience—especially without providing help or support.

The Pharisees loaded people with religious rules, expectations, and guilt—but made no effort to help them carry those loads. 

They weighed people down with religion, not to help them get closer to God, but to control them and exalt themselves.

The shoulder bears external, visible weight.

The Pharisees' approach was all about external performance: do this, avoid that, follow this rule.

But they did it with no love, no help, and no grace.

*2) The Finger – Image of Minimal Effort*

The finger represents the smallest effort possible. 

In contrast to the shoulder, which carries weight, the finger can point, gesture, or slightly touch. 

Jesus’ rebuke is sharp: *“They won’t even lift a finger to help.”*

These leaders had the authority, knowledge, and resources to make people’s spiritual lives lighter and more joyful—but they refused. 

They weren’t interested in helping, just in appearing righteous.

The finger could have offered guidance, comfort, or assistance—even a small act of kindness.

But they used it only to point in blame, not to help in mercy.

*3) Hypocrisy in Leadership*

They demanded what they refused to do themselves.

They taught law, but not love.

Their religion was about pressure, not pastoral care.

Jesus warns all spiritual leaders here:

Leadership without compassion is spiritual abuse, not guidance.

*4) The Heart Behind It – Control, Not Compassion*

They used burdens as a tool to control, not to care. 

Their aim wasn’t to lead people to God, but to make themselves look superior while keeping others down.

Real spirituality doesn’t seek control—it seeks connection with God and others. 

We must ask: Am I using truth to set people free, or to keep them in fear? 

Do I lead with love, or with rules?

*5) Jesus: The Burden-Bearer, Not the Burden-Giver*

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

“My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)

Where the Pharisees burdened, Jesus lifted.

Where they pointed fingers, Jesus stretched out His hands—to heal, to forgive, to carry the cross.

*6) Jesus' Shoulder and Finger*

Jesus’ shoulder carried a cross so that ours wouldn’t have to carry the crushing weight of sin.

Jesus’ finger extended grace, healing, and truth in love.

Jesus' shoulder bore a cross, not just a law. His fingers touched lepers, lifted the sinking Peter, and wrote in the dust to defend a sinful woman. 

He embodied servant leadership in a way the Pharisees never could.

Will we be like the Pharisees—burdening but not helping?

Or will we be like Jesus—carrying others’ loads, and reaching out with even the smallest act of compassion?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*