Christ carries our burdens and bears the weight of our sins
I was hiking the “beast” this past weekend (our nickname for the big hill that leads down to Sycamore Canyon Beach) when I saw two guys walking in front of me, one of whom had what appeared to be the lid of a trashcan strapped to his back. I kept staring at it, wondering what the heck it was, until I got closer and realized it was actually a big 70 pound weight.
As I approached the men, I asked the one guy why he was carrying a big weight on his back. He answered that he plans to enlist in the Navy and he wants to prepare his body for the type of strenuous activity he’ll be expected to do. That made sense (sort of) but I couldn’t help thinking there must be an easier way to prepare for enlistment!
Anyhow, as I continued walking, I noticed that the guy without the weights was strolling down the hill rather effortlessly, enjoying the beautiful scenery, while the other was slumped over, staring at the ground, bogged down by the heavy burden he had chosen to carry. I thought to myself, that guy needs to break free of those weights asap!
We all carry burdens in this life, some heavier than others, some more apparent than others. But Christ came to set us free from everything that can weigh us down: broken relationships, disappointments, regrets, and especially the burden of our sin, which can feel like 70 pounds of lead strapped to our backs. He wants us to live rich, full lives that glorify him. But to get there, we need to shed some weight (figuratively speaking), and that’s where prayer and the sacrament of Reconciliation come in.
Prayer is the key that unlocks the door to a relationship with Christ. You can’t feel close to someone you never talk to, and this holds true for our relationship with God. Christ patiently knocks on the door of our hearts each day, but it’s up to us to open the door and invite him in. When we do, he moves into every room in our home and makes it more beautiful. Plus, he’s the perfect house guest: he even takes out the trash! Christ removes the garbage from our lives and frees us from the weight of our sins.
As for Reconciliation, I know it can be awkward to confess our sins to another human being, but our priestly confessor is not just another person. He’s operating “in persona Christi,” in the very person of Christ, who reminds us that no sin is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, NONE! Which means no more 70 lb. backpacks to lug around! Halleluiah!!
Christ says, “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.” [Matthew 11:28-30]
We are loved by a gracious God who wants to carry our burdens and free us from the weight of our sins. May we entrust our hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ, who accompanies us on our journey. And may we keep one foot firmly planted in heaven and the other just lightly touching earth, as we make our way through the belly of the beast.