The Rest That We Need

    

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

09 July 2023

 

First Reading: Zec 9:9-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14

Second Reading: Rom 8:9, 11-13

Gospel: Mt 11:25-30

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

There was a time in my teenage years when the song "Lift Up Your Hands" by Basil Valdez was my life theme song. I felt at that time everything around was chaotic and I was in a dark pit where I cannot see my real self. I had to wear different masks to survive, there were days I wished to die, there were nights that this song just gives me comfort and companionship.

Sometimes we feel trapped and think of giving up because of uncontrollable life events that happen to us. Sometimes the people that we expect to protect us disappoint us too. The Gospel this Sunday reminds us that Jesus is the solution to our problems, difficulties, and challenges. He knows all our weaknesses and meets us where we are. The belief that He is there, that someone sees us, knows our true struggles, and yet loves us still the same.

He invites us to offload all our concerns on Him, and in exchange, He will give us His yoke, one that is light. Jesus assures us that in Him we will find rest when we believe and pray. The yoke that He is offering to us is that of humility and meekness. He wants us to be humble, just like Him and there, we will find rest. Meet Jesus in prayer, with a humble and contrite heart, and tell everything to Jesus. He will never let us down when we seek His help. Sometimes, His responses may come a little late as we expected or He gives a different answer. Yet, His timing is always perfect and His ways are always better. Whatever we ask from God, in His Name, we will have it. Therefore, with humble hearts, let's take our burdens to Jesus and we will find rest.

And He said, "Cast your burdens upon Me

Those who are heavily laden,

Come to Me, all of you who are tired

Of carrying heavy loads,

For the yoke I will give you is easy

And My burden is light,

Come to Me and I will give you rest."

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts. We lift all our burdens to You because we believe that it is only in You that we can find rest. Give us Your yoke which is good to bear and is light. May You inspire us to practice humility and meekness all the days of our life.