We tell ourselves, and are often advised by others, to let go of our concerns and grudges, and move on with life.

Today's first reading and the Responsorial Psalm talk about letting go in a somewhat illogical manner: we can do away with our yokes by helping others to lift theirs and by sharing with them our possessions. Then our wounds will be quickly healed and we will walk humbly in the light and uprightness that are graces from God.

The New Testament readings take us deeper into this relationship that God has with us. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we attain knowledge of the mystery of God - God is the crucified Christ, who has shared our weakness and suffering. Our affinity with the poor and the oppressed, therefore, reflects how we relate to the crucified Christ, and how much we know God and are known by God. With this knowledge of God, may we function as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.