Take my yoke upon you and learn from me

Zach. 9:9-10, Rom. 8:9.11-13, Mt. 11: 25-30. Being the Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A, the Church invites us to a life of humility and meekness. We need humility, in our world where many do not value humility, instead prizes fame, power and a certain swagger. Thus, we can agree with St Ignatius, that greater intimacy with Jesus comes through humility and humiliation. In today's first reading, the beleaguered Israelites, who were awaiting a king to save them, were told to expect a different kind of saviour. The passage opens with a call to joy and celebration as the Lord says: “Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion, shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king shall come to you.” Yet this king is one who comes in total simplicity, riding not the powerful chariot or a warrior’s horse, but the humble, plodding transportation of the poor: a young donkey.

This saviour promises to banish the weapons and instruments of war “and he shall proclaim peace to the nations.” We long for peace in our world as much as the people of Israel. The message is reinforced by today's Responsorial Psalm, as we are invited into a relationship with a God who is gracious, merciful, slow to anger and kind. Our loving God promises to lift up all who are falling and raise up all who are burdened in life. Are there any of us who do not need and long for, that kind of support from God who has an endless supply of love? “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” Today’s Gospel offers an invitation from Jesus: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” Pope Francis describes those people as simple people, the poor, the sick, sinners, those who are marginalised. The Pope said these humble people “always followed him to hear his word — a word that gave hope!” In His ministry, Jesus spoke to them, healed and encouraged them to speak to God as a loving Father.

May the Lord flame His gift of love in our heart, so that we may be able to walk home into eternal life, together! Amen! Stay safe and save life, Jesus loves you, happy Sunday!!!