“The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down."
Psalm 145:14
Readings
Zechariah 9:9-10
Romans 8:9, 11-13
Matthew 11:25-30
Reflection
by Sister Judith Bloxham, OSB
In the first reading of today Zechariah reflects on the image of a king coming to his people as a just savior, with meekness and humility. He is a savior who will proclaim peace and will banish all forms of war, aggression, and pride, if we only could take his yoke upon our shoulders, mind and heart, and learn more deeply the value of humility lived out in our lives.
As St. Paul reminds us, this message of living in the Spirit of Christ is the reality of God living within our hearts and lives. Jesus prays to the Father that it is the “little ones,” the humble ones whose hearts and spirits recognize the Father and the Son, in the Holy Spirit.
May we reflect on Jesus reminding us, that he will give rest to those who labor and are burdened by many fears at this time: the covid-19 virus, instability in our nations, and the anger and frustration in our own country. May we welcome His yoke in our lives and continue to grow and be nourished by the Holy Spirit, bearing much fruit in our own lives and in the lives of all with whom we live and work.
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“The twelfth step of humility is that a monk always manifests humility in his bearing no less than in his heart, so that it is evident at the Work of God, in the oratory, the monastery or the garden, on a journey or in the field, or anywhere else.” Chapter 7, Verse 62-63
Gospel Acclamation
“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.”
Comments