Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
I have a priest friend who was recently called to be a bishop. I cannot imagine how daunting that must be. If you are successful in ministry and flourishing, you might not want to have more added to your responsibilities. However, it is due to just that sort of achievement that will be rewarded with more.
In the moment, any one of may think that a new opportunity, ministry, or even a new child, may be an occasion to think, “Why me? Why now?” Yet we know in the gospel that Jesus says those who feel tired and burdened should come to Him. He takes away our burden – not completely – but replaces it with his own burden. Christ’s burden He makes light. What is more, he shoulders it with us. We don’t do it alone.
Today the master in the parable imposing more responsibility on his servants tells them that in assuming greater works they ought to “share their master’s joy.” Just when we feel overburdened, the more we have to Jesus to complete our flourishing. We think we’re too busy for daily Mass, a Holy Hour, to pray with our family. However, the joy of Christ lightens the burdens.
In fact, there’s a story that St. Mother Teresa’s own sisters once came to her saying that they were so inundated with service to the poorest of the poor that should cut out their daily Holy Hour. St. Teresa of Calcutta, being a reasonable superior, took this request to thought and prayer. Several days later she announced to the community that after considering their request they would now do two hours before the Blessed Sacrament per day. Joy is completed in going to Christ.
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections