Burdens

AM Psalm 26, 28 • PM Psalm 36, 39
Lam. 1:1-5(6-9)10-12 • 1 Cor. 15:41-50 • Matt. 11:25-30

Today’s readings illustrate some of the stark differences between the Old Testament and the New. For me, the differences are best described by the familiar metaphor of carrying a burden. All of us have some form of picture in mind when we use or hear this trope. Mine is of someone staggering along, carrying a sack filled with stones or logs slung over their shoulder.

Today’s readings from Psalms and Lamentations are full of the heavy burdens we often carry. Lamentations describes the desolation of Jerusalem after she has been sacked by the Babylonians and most of her people exiled:

How lonely sits the city that once was full of people….She weeps bitterly in the night....The roads to Zion mourn for no one comes to the festivals; all her gates are desolate, her priests groan; her young girls grieve and her lot bitter.

Our Psalms also lament heavy burdens, with ample references to “enemies,” “sinners,” “evil plots,” and “bribes.” They cry out for the punishment of evil-doers: “repay them according to their deeds and according to the wickedness of their actions” (Psalm 28).

One of the most bitter affronts one can suffer in the Old Testament is that of being shamed or dishonored, for it is suffered in public. The Psalms are full of indignity towards those who have shamed the righteous, and often the Psalmist pleads with God to return the favor and put these enemies in their place. Even those of us living under the new covenant are not immune to this hunger for retribution, and we certainly witness it among the competing nations of our world.

Now shift to our readings from the Gospel and its new covenant, especially to the familiar and comforting words of Matthew 11: 28-30:

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The Contemplative Movement has given me new insight into the concept of burden. If we can remove but one item from our heavy sack, we can make it appreciably lighter, and that single item is ego. The setting aside of ego may be the dominant theme of all of Jesus’ teachings and perhaps the key to finding rest for our souls and the joy that He promises.

Written by Grimsley Graham

...who is eternally grateful to St. Pauls for introducing him to the Contemplative Movement.