Peace and grace to you!
I think the readings this weekend direct us to clearly identify the inner tension that all of us experience between our desire for spiritual fulfillment and the things of earth that are necessary for the body and the things of earth in general like the house or place where we live etc. Although we must make use of things of earth, our hope and primary focus is not in them. St. Paul makes the distinction between people of the Spirit and people of the flesh. St. Francis of Assissi is a great teacher when it comes to the body and the spirit. He says the body is like a mule that is constantly on the move to satisfy its appetites—it is never satisfied. It monotonously moves from one thing to another! So it is necessary for us to put a bridle and bit on the mule to control it, lest it lead a person into sin and spiritual destruction. Great imagery here—we all have the same animal appetites to deal with and we all know they need to be properly directed. They can weigh us down! But a greater burden comes when we forget to focus on God and the personal help that we have in Jesus. This weekend Jesus invites us once again to come to him and ask for help—with whatever it is we are concerned about. Nothing is to great or too small. Jesus loves! Jesus is the one who gives rest to the weary and revives the drooping in spirit. Come and rest in the open arms of the Lord’s providence and mercy. It truly is easy and light! May God continue to bless you! +++ Fr. Peter