Gospel for July 9 2023 – Matthew 11:25-30
Gospel Reflections for July 9 2023
Come to me, and I will give you rest…
These comforting and soothing words spoken by Jesus in today’s Gospel were very welcome to those who heard them.
Our Lord knew they struggled to live under hundreds of religious and cultural regulations, not to mention the daily grind of harsh Roman military occupation, and their incredibly high taxation. Jesus was just who was needed in their lives then.
Jesus used an image that spoke directly to their daily experience. Farmers in those days would harness their oxen to a large wooden yoke that would keep them walking straight and steady when plowing a field.
All the many religious laws of the Old Testament were sometimes referred to as a kind of “yoke” since they were supposed to keep one’s life steady and in good order as you walked forward in your life. That is a good thing.
However, over the centuries these laws greatly increased in number from the original Ten Commandments to over 600 rules that guided daily religious behavior. Adding all the Roman regulations made life unbearable. The yoke was now heavy!
It would be different with Jesus. His simple life of loving God, loving your neighbor, and loving yourself, would be a lot easier to do. “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Jesus offers a message that is simple, clear, and direct, and in that very simplicity offers hope and relief. Your faith might not change the economy, the weather, or politics, but it can directly change you, and how you respond to events in your life.
The summary of Our Lord’s teachings are simply the words of the consecration at every Mass. “This is my Body and Blood …given for your happiness.” Therefore, when you take your own life, and all its talents and gifts, and use them for something noble and good, and especially for the authentic good and happiness of another person, you have fulfilled your mission completely.
In the Gospel, Jesus rejoices as He sees the positive effect of His message on His followers. Their lives have changed for the better and no one is happier to see that than Our Lord.
I hope you will find some well-deserved rest in these summer months, and find a deeper rest in the simple and practical faith that we have from Our Lord.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Yes, the peace we absorb in receiving Christ in Communion and prayer enriches our minds, hearts, and souls in a “heavenly” rest. It’s the deep breath of a salty sea, the fragrance of a rose, and the scent of pine trees in the woods.
It’s God’s love for us.
May He bless you now and forever.
Kathleen
Thank you!
The words and examples of our Faith give us perspective of what is truly important in life. The lessening of material possessions and increase of Spiritual Blessings along with appreciation of all we are given becomes important.
The calm reassurance of our Creators Love and Care for His Creation-is of prime importance.
Thus resulting in a more enjoyable life Here on Earth.
Well said!
Love your words as always !!! It is so beautiful to receive our precious Jesus in Holy Communion for now love lives in us and we are inspired to be there for others and reach out in love!!! We are soooooooooooooooooooooooo blessed with our precious Faith, a gift of forever love in our Jesus and we must follow him to share His love with everyone!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you our Father Dave for you beautifully share Jesus’ love with the world!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick
Thank you!
I needed to hear this today…..thank you
You are welcome!