Homily For Wednesday the Second Week of Advent Year B, 13th December, 2023. The Memorial of St. Lucy

Readings Isaiah 40:25-31; Ps 103; Matt. 11:28-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

WHY CARRY YOUR BURDENS OF LIFE ALONE?

 

The ugly situation in our country today places a heavy burden and stress on us and often these burdens are so heavy that we don’t know how to carry them. The worst of these burdens is the sorrow we bear in our hearts: sorrows caused by our sins, unhealthy relationships, unforgiveness and family problems. These burdens sometimes are so heavy that we don’t know how to carry them, we don’t know who can help us understand how to carry them or overcome them.

 

Today in our Gospel reading, Jesus invites us to come to him with our burdens. For he recognizes the sorrows in our lives, how we labour and are overburdened. This invitation opens a refreshing space in our soul, by inspiring hope and drawing us into his loving and gentle presence who is always with us. Little wonder we heard the prophet Isaiah in our first reading today saying: how can you say My destiny is hidden from the Lord, my rights are ignored by my God? Did you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is an everlasting God, he created the boundaries of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary, his understanding is beyond fathoming. He gives strength to the weary, he strengthens the powerless. Young men may grow tired and weary, and youths may stumble, but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength, they put out wings like eagles. They run and do not grow weary, walk and never tire. So, we should learn to present our burdens to God in faith.

 

Dear friends, Jesus, wants to listen to all of our troubles and assures us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. When we spend time with Jesus we find rest for our souls. He speaks to us in the silence of our hearts and gives us inner peace. Therefore, why carry your burdens alone? Jesus is willing to help you, for he promised that when we are troubled and turn to him, he will help us.

 

So let us trust in his word, just like St. Lucy whose memorial we celebrate today, for she is known for her humble obedience and trust in God. She knows how to present her burdens to God and since the name Lucy means light, she is known as the patron saint of those with eye problems. This light reminds us also about the Light of Christ whose Advent of his birth we are celebrating.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we are carrying heavy burdens of this passing world, as we present these burdens before you, may we through the intercession of St. Lucy find rest for our souls. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Remain blessed.