Recently, I’ve seen a commercial for a cable TV and the internet provider. It shows two friends moving heavy boxes looking pretty worn out, while their friend who is moving--is sitting comfortably--having a cool drink looking at her phone.
It’s a great ad that also strikes a chord about fairness--as in each person working to do their fair share, what’s right, and not over-burdening others while resting comfortably and avoiding the same work.
Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles has an element of this too--when Peter asks, “Why … are you putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?”
This discussion is a continuation of yesterday’s readings when the Apostles and presbyters try to work out how the Gentile converts, and Jewish people can come together in following Jesus.
To this end, Peter says, “We believe that we are saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.”
James builds upon Peter’s words by saying, “It is my judgment … that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God …” In other words, we ought not to overburden them; we need to understand their situation and keep in mind what is most important in following Jesus. What follows is a compromise for the newly converted Gentiles that preserves the integrity of being a follower of Jesus and unites them with the Jewish people too.
There are many ways we can overburden others--or even ourselves when it comes to practicing the Catholic faith. Of course, we don’t get to pick, for instance, the odd-numbered commandments or pretend that Jesus’ teaching is optional. But on the other hand, there is a merciful-patience that Jesus calls us to have with others who are coming to the faith, returning, or struggling--in whatever is challenging to them. Our role, like Peter and James--is to keep our priorities straight and help each other grow in both understanding and practice of the faith.
Jesus underscores the need to follow his example of living by the Father’s commandments to remain in his love. This isn’t to make being Catholic an exclusive club but rather one that helps one another remain in Jesus’ love. (Jesus tells us this so that “His joy may be in us and our joy may be complete.”)
The woman sitting comfortably on the chair in the commercial while her friends carried heavy boxes set herself above them. This is the opposite of when we each help one another with the crosses that we bear as we follow Jesus’ example. In the long run, we can persevere, even when our burdens are heavy, because we have in Jesus a Savior who is with us in every moment and every way.
Wednesday’s Night Prayer ends with:
“Lord Jesus Christ, you have given your followers an example of gentleness and humility, a task that is easy, a burden that is light. Accept the prayers and work of this day and give us the rest that will strengthen us to render more faithful service to you who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.”
