Thursday, July 18, 2002
15th Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19
Gospel:
Mt 11:28-30
Jesus spoke thus, "Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry
heavy burdens and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn
from me for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For
my yoke is good and my burden is light."
Commentary
Pain (any pain - emotional, physical, mental) has a message. Once we get the pain's message, and follow its advice, the pain goes away. Today there are many tired people in the world who carry heavy loads. People tired of hoping, tired of fighting. Like never before our cities have become cages difficult to escape from. We want to move around freely but the traffic and the cost of living enslaves us, making any move difficult. The crowds, instead of providing us company, deepen our solitude. Persons without friends are more inclined to depression and despair. The invitation of Jesus makes sense. He invites us to a personal encounter with him. He offers us his friendship. "Come to me" he says. He may not relieve us from the load but he will provide the means to carry it.