The Gospel today is a joyful, ecstatic outburst of feeling by Jesus. Matthew’s community must have been deeply troubled by the fact that the ‘learned and clever’ religious leaders of their day did not accept the message of Jesus. Surely they, of all people, should have been able to recognise the truth. But in this passage, Matthew explains that it is not from a position of knowledge or power that one recognises who Jesus is. Rather, it is from an attitude of openness and simplicity, such as we often find in children.Matthew also makes the point that Jesus does not approach us like a warlord, with threats of punishment, but in humility and gentleness.

The tone of the reading is set by Jesus’ warm and intimate address of ‘Abba’ (Father) which occurs five times in this short passage. This intimate relationship is characterised by God’s entrusting all of things to the Son, and the Son in turn revealing them to those who have faith. These, in turn, are drawn into intimate relationship with God.

The rules and laws of religious leaders in Jesus’ day often added to the burden experienced by those regarded as simple and sinful. Whereas Jesus always tried to lift burdens from people.

Jesus invitation in today’s Gospel is for everyone. It could be an invitation for us to look at our lives and ask what burdens we impose on others. Do our concerns, anxieties, our need for power, wealth and status, exact a high price from others and ourselves?

Are we a burden or a blessing for each other? What can we do to make life easier for each other - to lift the burdens and share the load?

Join us in celebrating at home this Sunday using the links below.

Celebrating At Home 14 Sunday in Ordinary Time PDF   
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Lectio Divina for 14 Sunday in Ordinary Time PDF   
Lectio Divina for 14 Sunday in Ordinary Time iPhone & iPad