Vae | Woe

He said, "Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves won't even lift one finger to help carry those burdens. - Luke 11:46

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Jesus says in this Gospel fragment many harsh words. It might be in opposition to image of Jesus and Christianity. Is not Jesus telling people to be nice to each other? And is not Christianity a religion of nice timid people who would not say anything hurtful? Some might think so, but it is not completely true. 

Yes, we are called by Jesus to love each other but that does not mean just being a "nice person".  At times, we need to say harsh things because that is what love - willing a good of the other - might be about and what love calls us to do. We are not to stay blind and deaf to actions and words of others that need pointing out or correction. We are not to pretend that everything is just fine as it is when it is not so. And then, we need to react, even use at times  harsh words, if that is what love necessitates.

It is not easy. Many of us might prefer to just ignore the problem, pretend that everything is alright rather than utter any correcting, possibly harsh words. Because we can be sure that the reaction will most probably not be friendly. People might get angry, become hostile, oppose us, like the Pharisees that plotted against Jesus. Thus, we need courage and Jesus will give us this courage. 

Jesus gave us the example of how to love and we are supposed to follow this example. It is often difficult and harsh. Love is not just a sweet nice thing. As Jesus loved us to the death, to the Cross, we also should strive to love like Him, regardless the reactions of those who we are to love.

Reflection on Luke 11: 37-54 by Agata Wierzbowska

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