Coming As We Are

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

05 July 2026

 

First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-10

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

Second Reading: Romans 8:9, 11-13

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

We visited a few churches while in Rome in summer of last year. One of them was the Church of Sant’Alfonso where the original image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is venerated. As we entered the church, I saw a woman on the last pew eating. I was tempted to hit my judgemental button but decided not to. I thought, in such a hot and sunny weather, the church seemed the only place where the woman could find shelter and have her dinner.

As we moved nearer the sanctuary, I saw another lady crying loudly while on her knees. Again, I was about to react, but told myself, probably she has no one to talk to who would sincerely and non-judgementally listen to her except God and His Mother. After saying our prayers in front of the image of Mary and taking some pictures, we left the church. The woman was still in tears.

The late Deacon Martyn Swaby, my former spiritual director, once said that we come as we are in the presence of God. We may be happy or sad, refreshed or tired, in the state of grace or living in sin. Regardless, today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is calling us to come to Him (Mt 11:28). The two women I encountered came as they are in that beautiful church. Like the humble tax collector who went up to the temple to pray, I believe that both women left the church justified with God (Lk 18:14).

That experience touched me too. Instead of looking down and feeling scandalised by the actions of fellow believers, I was inspired to be more understanding and welcoming of others especially those who are in the fringes of the Church and society. I’m still a work in progress as I strive to imitate Christ who is gentle and humble of heart (Mt 11:29).

 

Prayer

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, transform our proud and unyielding hearts to be like Yours - ever gentle, humble, and welcoming to everyone - so that the Father would also reveal to us the mysteries of the Kingdom. Amen.