Scripture Reading Reflection
by Fr. Andrew Kelly
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY ORDINAL TIME – JULY 6, 2014
Every Sunday the believing community gathers for the Lord’s word, body and blood in response to Jesus’ invitation in Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30):
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
In the Scriptures and the body and blood the community experiences Jesus’ gentle humble heart. No matter how weary or what kind of burdens the community carries, rest is found in the Lord’s total embrace.
The yoke and burden Jesus places upon the community’s shoulders is God’s never-ending unconditional love. This love is the core of Jesus’ relationship with the Father that is proclaimed in the Scriptures and tasted in the body and blood.
When the community discovers this love, Jesus explodes in prayer and praise:
“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.”
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)
