It happens to everyone. But even to the young and strong and, yes, even to the most fit.
Everyone grows weary. But God tells us he is our strength and our shield. He will lift us up and renew us and make us vigorous.
If we just have hope in the Lord — yes, hope.
St. Paul often spoke about hope, and had some famous quotes about hope.
But one that kind of underlies many of them goes like this, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
And Paul says that with a spirit filled with faith and hope.
So when Jesus tells them and us today in this Gospel, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,” he is talking to the weary and the weak and the tired in us.
And it is in that tired space within us that we are invited by Jesus to truly have faith and hope in his word — his love, grace, and blessings.
And even to find hope in his cross. For there, on that cross, he had faith and hope in his Father’s love.
So much so that he could love and forgive the unlovable and unforgivable ugliness and hatred that put him on that cross.
Weary, weak, and tired — and still full of faith, hope, and love!
Father Perry Dean Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com.
