God's Rest - Weekday Homily Video

Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother in 1918 at Father Flanagan's Home for Boys, which had just opened a year earlier. As a result of his polio, Howard wore heavy leg braces. He had trouble walking, especially up and down stairs.

Soon, several of the Home’s older boys carried Howard up and down the stairs. One day, Father Flanagan asked Reuben Granger, one of those older boys, if carrying Howard was hard. Reuben replied, “He isn’t heavy, Father, he’s my brother.”

Are you a mother whose daily task is to care for your children? Or a father who works hard to provide for the family? Or a volunteer for a church or community? That must be a “heavy burden.” Yet, I bet it is made light because you do it for love. Jesus says, “Take my burden, the burden of love.” Consider others as your brothers and sisters. They are your brothers and sisters, and they are not heavy.

Jesus spoke about the burdens others put on our shoulders and the burdens we put on our shoulders. To the rich young man, he said, “Throw away the burden of your wealth from your shoulders.”

Jesus Can Empathize

• Have you suffered the loss of a loved one? In his youth, Jesus had to weep for Lazarus, his dear friend, and had to bury his father, Joseph.
• Are you experiencing financial struggles? Jesus assumed the obligation of caring for the twelve Apostles even though he had nowhere to lay down his head and was unsure where to get his next meal.
• Do you need peace because people always make demands on you and your time? Jesus had crowds of people following Him and asking for various favors.
• Has someone hurt your feelings? Jesus, in his passion, was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and abandoned by the others.

Weariness, or the experience of tiredness or restlessness, is part of our human condition. It indicates that we have not attained much physical rest or emotional peace that we all need.

Listening to the Lord

Here's something I want to share with you. After a rather exhausting day, I often plan on having a good sleep; however, there is a feeling in my heart that says, “Would you not join me in the chapel for a moment?” Then, after a few moments of confusion and resistance, I consent and spend a few minutes with Jesus or saying the Rosary. Then, I go to sleep in peace and am very happy, and the following morning, I am not more tired than usual.

However, sometimes it is the other way around. Whenever I have a serious concern, I say to myself, tonight I will spend an hour praying in the chapel. And when going to the Chapel, a voice tells me at the bottom of my heart, “You know something? I wish instead that you go to bed immediately and trust me; let Me look after your problem.” I go to sleep in peace, leaving everything in the hands of the Lord.

Advent reminds us of God’s burning and passionate longing to come to us and to dwell in our hearts in unexpected ways. Today, he wants to assure us rest and peace of mind. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

• Today’s Readings

• Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

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