April 13, 2022

“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders.” (Matthew 23:4)

After reading about the war in Ukraine, the socio-political wars in our country and my city, and after praying about the various difficulties with our own aging parents, it was time to face the day. 

Picking up my Tom’s toothpaste tube I noticed the question in all caps: “ARE YOU MAKING A DIFFERENCE TODAY?”Already tired after one hour of consciousness, I threw the toothpaste in the trash and went to Christie’s bathroom to brush my teeth. Another Tom’s Tube. This one demanded: WAKE UP, BRUSH TEETH, MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I threw that tube in the trash too. Now we don’t have any toothpaste.

The law crushes. The gospel alone gives life. There is a song we used to sing that I still like to sing. “Come unto me all who are weak, weary and heavy laden. Gentle am I, humble of heart, and you shall find rest for your soul.”

“Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fourth Sunday in Lent – BCP)