Relief Takes Effort – Dec 13 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Dec 13, 2023, on the paradox of finding relief through self-denial and carrying one's cross, as taught by Jesus in the Gospel, highlighting the spiritual rewards of this practice.

The paradoxical nature of finding relief through effort is taught by Jesus in the Gospel. Jesus encourages us to come to Him when burdened and to take His yoke upon ourselves, which represents a commitment to self-denial and carrying our own crosses. This idea is reflected in the Gospel, in Matthew 11:28-30 - “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?28. He also addresses the challenge of living a life of self-denial, highlighting how indulgence often leads to greater weariness and burden, contrary to what we might believe due to our clouded judgment from sin.

00:00 - Introduction
00:11 - The Effort Required for Finding Relief
00:27 - Understanding the Paradox of Self-Denial and Relief
01:26 - The Challenge of Practicing Self-Denial
02:30 - The Illusion of Relief through Self-Indulgence
03:31 - Self-Denial with Love as the Key to Relief
04:21 - Encouragement to Embrace the Effort of Self-Denial
04:48 - Conclusion: Accepting the Paradox for True Relief
05:13 - Credits and Acknowledgments

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Lucy of Syracuse (Lect) - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75
Readings: Wednesday in the 2nd Week in Advent - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121323.cfm
1st: isa 40:25-31
Resp: psa 103:1-4, 8, 10
Gsp: mat 11:28-30

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=2257&r=1281

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