The Lord is faithful and holy in all his works.  He lifts up all who are falling and rises up all who are bowed down (Psalm 145).  Our sins are forgiven, and God lifts us up, because of his love for us.

In the first reading, we hear from the prophet Zechariah.  His words offer hope as they tell of how a king will come to Israel, bringing salvation and the promise of peace to all nations.  The second reading calls us to die to sin by the power of the Spirit, so that we may live.  We have freedom of choice, and we can resist the temptation to sin.  We have physical bodies, and we have God’s Spirit within us.  Because of this, the Spirit is alive in us.  The conclusion is that when we sin, all is not lost.  If we focus on the Spirit of God within us, it will help us live more fully and freely.  In the midst of our sinfulness is hope.  We do not have to accept hopelessness because of sin.  Since the Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, we can have faith that the same Spirit, who dwells in us, can bring us life as well.  St. Paul reminds us that we have God in us, the Holy Spirit, who gives us strength to help us overcome those sins that keep us from more faithfully serving God and more fully experiencing God’s love.  The power of God is so much greater than our worst offense.  In God, we have life.

In the Gospel, Jesus invites all who are burdened to come to him and find rest.  Why not let Him give you His promise of rest?  All of us are looking for rest and relief from what burdens our hearts and souls.  None of us can escape life’s burdens, but all of us can find Christ’s care and concern.

Fr. Rafal P. Duda
Parochial Vicar