July 5, 2020: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading: Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus exclaimed:
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to little ones.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Reflection:

When I read this passage I was drawn in by the words “hidden” and “little ones.” I felt a push back when I read the words “take my yoke upon you.” I learn more deeply through pain so I looked up the word “yoke”! I expected to read a definition that was something like a collar or lead or item constructed to manage or control livestock or other animals.

Surprise! A yoke is used to create a team or at least two pulling or otherwise working along together. That’s an image I can get behind — yoked to God.  Yes, that image feels very good.

Action/Challenge:

Engage in some type of team work this week. If possible, work in tandem with someone side by side — in a garden, washing and drying dishes — you get the picture. See how that feels. What feels easy and what surfaces resistance? Spend some time with the part that brings resistance and see where you end up.