Matthew 23:4 “They tie onto people's backs loads that are heavy and hard to carry, yet they aren't willing even to lift a finger to help them carry those loads.”

In this verse, Jesus delivers a scathing critique of the religious leaders of His time—those who were entrusted with guiding the people in righteousness but instead imposed burdensome rules without offering compassion or support. Their piety was performative, more concerned with appearances than with genuine service or humility. They weaponized the Law of Moses, not to uplift the weary or the marginalized, but to control and condemn. Though these words were spoken over two thousand years ago, their relevance today is striking.

In our modern world, religion often serves not as a bridge to the divine but as a wedge between people. What was meant to be a path to God has, in many cases, become a tool for judgment, exclusion, and division. Many have lost sight of the essence of faith—love, mercy, and justice. Even among Christians, the teachings of Christ are frequently overshadowed by dogma, politics, and self-righteousness. We forget that Jesus spent His time with the poor, the sick, the outcast—not the powerful or the elite.

Today, we live in a society where basic human needs like food, shelter, and healthcare are treated as privileges rather than rights. Politicians are elected on promises of change but often perpetuate systems that devalue human dignity. There is a loud outcry to protect unborn life, yet a deafening silence when it comes to caring for the living—children in poverty, families without homes, the elderly without care. We stigmatize the poor while rewarding the wealthy, condemning welfare for the needy but applauding tax breaks for billionaires.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the injustice and hypocrisy that saturate our world. The news and social media often paint a bleak picture, making us question whether humanity can ever change. But we must remember we are not powerless. Each of us has the ability to lift burdens, to extend grace, and to live out the values we claim to believe. The narrative can change—if we choose to be the ones who change it.

Susan Isaac