Cycle A - Year I:  

9 July 2023: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Color: Green)

Readings:

First Reading:        Zechariah 9:9-10

Second Reading:   Romans 8:9, 11-13

Gospel:  Please Read  Matthew 11:25-30 

God is comforting....!

Sunshine and rain support life on earth, and without either no living thing can exist. So also with our life journey, sometimes easy and sometimes tough. We must live with both. And to go through the hardest part of the journey we need to take only one step at a time. But we must keep on moving on without being disheartened.

Because no matter how challenging and difficult our journey is sometimes, God is always comforting for those who believe and trust. In today's Gospel proclamation, we hear our Lord Jesus' assurance of God's helping hand. Jesus Himself invites us to come to Him when our hearts are burdened. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourself. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mt 11:28-30)    

Now, the people who were listening to Jesus' words seem weary. That is why Jesus' words of assurance sound like a stream of living water.  

Christians are not spared from life's challenges and trials, from pains and discomfort they suffer in their attempt to be faithful to the teachings of our Lord Jesus. Sometimes, it would seem like we keep on falling into the same temptations over and over again. Indeed, it is hard and difficult to live authentic Christian life in today's world. So we ask where is God in the world fraught with sufferings and problems even in our family, or sectors of our family, torn by disagreement and disunity. But sadly it is us who forget about God and does not want Him in our life. 

The truth is that our human heart remains restless, even amidst all satisfaction and comforts that this world has to offer. Because true peace and happiness is found in Jesus alone, when we live in Him and for Him. God is always our helping hand and travels with us in this journey through life, in His sacramental presence in the Holy Eucharist.

Reflect upon this gentle and glorious invitation from our Lord Jesus Christ. Let Him enter into whatever it is that burdens us. The cross we bear may not go away, but it will be transformed and made light in His grace.

Let us pray: Lord, I surrender my life and all that I am to You. I accept Your invitation to come to You with my burden. Thank You for Your unfailing compassion and concern for us. Jesus, I love and trust You. Amen.    

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!