First Reading: Is 26:7-9. 12. 16-19; Psalm: 102 R. v. 20b; Gospel: Mt 11:28-30

GOD’S COMMAND IS NOT BURDENSOME

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

The Jewish religious leaders made the commandment of God a burden to the people. They laid a crushing weight on the people by complicating God’s law with additional numerous legal obligations. They expanded the Ten Commandments into 613 greater and lesser rules and obligations and imposed it on the people but neglected the true purpose of the law which was Justice and Mercy.

Jesus is inviting all who are burdened by the demands of the faith to come to him. He has summarised the 613 rules and regulations into one commandment: The command to Love. By making God’s commandment easy to keep, Jesus was fulfilling the words of Deuteronomy 30:11 which says “This commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of your reach.” This commandment of love is an easy yoke and a lighter burden.

1John 5:3-4 says “This is what the love of God is: keeping his commandments. Nor are his commandments burdensome, because every child of God overcomes the world.” The command which Jesus gives us today is not impossible to keep. Simply love and every other thing falls in place. Love is all that God needs from us. Love makes the heaviest burden becomes light. Deep and sincere love for God makes all burden a song of love. 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, increase our love for you that it may reflect in our daily choices and doings. Amen.