14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

Zechariah 9:9-10

Psalm 145

Romans 8:9.11-13

Matthew 11:25-30

REST FOR THE BURDENED

Today’s readings have a message of hope and consolation for us. In the first reading, the prophet Zechariah invites the people of Jerusalem to rejoice because the Messiah-King is coming to restore them. He is a just Saviour, meek and humble. He is coming to banish anything that serves for war and oppression so as to establish a kingdom of peace.

As we know, this prophecy was realized in Jesus of Nazareth, but not all recognized him. For instance, the Pharisees, the Scribes and the chief priests failed to recognize him as the long awaited Messiah. Thus, Jesus praised the Father for hiding this mystery from the wise and the learned, and yet revealed it to the little ones. In Jesus, God revealed his saving power to mankind. In him, God himself has come to save and give rest to his people: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” The “burden” refers to the burden of the pharisaic legalism as contrasted with the “yoke” of Jesus, which is easy to bear.

For us today, the « burden » may take different names : sickness, loss of a loved one, joblessness or hardships of life. For some, the burden is the family instability, disappointments or betrayals in relationships. For others, it may be the weight of their iniquities and past sins. Still for others, it may be oppression from evil spirits. 

In any case, Jesus wants to be at all times a true source of comfort, consolation, liberation to us. However, he is not inviting us only to find serenity and hope in him in time of trouble. He invites us also to take upon ourselves his yoke and learn from him. In other words, he invites us to be at his school and learn his humility, kindness, tenderness, compassion and his obedience to the Father. As we may deduce from the second reading, to be in the school of Jesus means also dying to the works of the flesh and living in the Spirit. May the Lord help us to recognize him as our King and Saviour so as to call upon him at all times. Amen 

ATTENTION: Expressing my gratitude to each one of you for your support of any kind, constructive remarks and prayers, I would like to inform you that, for technical and organisational reasons, the “Sowing the Seed” Sunday reflexions are suspended for an indefinite time. Thanks for your kind understanding.

13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16

Psalm 88 (89)

Romans 6:3-4,8-11

Matthew 10:37-42

BLESSED FOR A CUP OF WATER

Barbara De Angelis once said: “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them; and they bless you, the giver.” Thus, Jesus’ teaching that anyone who welcomes a prophet, a just man or a disciple will not go unrewarded, is reflected by the hospitality offered to the prophet Elisha by the Shunemite woman and its consequent reward. Indeed, anyone who shows love, care and concern to another, little it may be, does so to the Lord (Matt. 25:40); and God will not be so unjust as to forget a good deed done. 

It is important therefore to reconsider how we lead our lives as Christians, for through baptism, we have been called to a newness of live in Christ (Rom. 6:3-4,8-11). And this newness of life has its own requirements and demands: service to others, detachment from many things, including one’s family relations, for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. In other words, commitment to Christ takes precedence over everything else, as he tells us in today’s gospel.

Equally important is the way we relate with those who preach the Word of God to us. For instance, the way we relate to our priests. Do we see them as men of God? Do we accept them as we would accept Jesus himself since they are his representatives among us? What about those who do us good, or sacrifice their time, talents, resources and energy in various ways to lead us in prayer and liturgical celebrations, instruct us in the faith? Do we show respect to our catechists or our leaders? Do we strive to make things easier for them like the Shunemite woman or we try to make life more difficult for them?

Moreover, as priests and leaders, how do we treat our catechists, Mass servers, choir masters, and all those who help us in diverse ways? Do we often take them for granted and take advantage of them or we show concern for their wellbeing? Do we pray for them? Let us all remember, any good deed done with a good heart will not go unnoticed by God. Like the prophet Elisha, let us learn to seek the good of those who help us and ask God to bless them. May God bless and keep all of us! Amen.