14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A
REMEDY FOR WEARY SOULS
MT. 11: 25-30
Do you remember your parents coming home tired from work? My father complained of aching back from a whole day of driving. My mother complained of painful legs due to a whole day of teaching elementary students. My father simply sipped his hot coffee and my mother enjoyed her soap opera and the pain seemed to go away instantly.
Today, more than bodily pains, we feel a mental and psychological exhaustion, even a spiritual dryness. And we spend more to assuage these feelings by going to the malls, to a long drive, or to the restaurant or gym for bodily satisfaction. And it is true that we need to recharge after the pressures and stresses of work, family or life in the community.
There is good news for us! Whether we need bodily or spiritual respite, the Lord Jesus invites us to take a well-earned rest, not out there, but with him, in his company, in his presence, in his friendship. Last Sunday his great challenge to us was to learn to carry our own crosses faithfully, today comes his urgent invitation: Come to me… rest in me…
To rest in the Lord, there is no need to book a tour or a beach resort; not even to take a break from your usual routine and ordinary tasks. The renewal Jesus offers is a replenishment of tired spirit, a return of calm and peace, a fullness of joy, and an enjoyment of his forgiveness, protection and love.
Take a moment of silent prayer in the early morning or before you sleep; read the Bible and be nourished by the Word of God; pray the Rosary while commuting to work; or simply say: Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to you; take care of everything – when you are tired or sad or troubled or afraid.
This week, as you prepare for Mass, fill your heart with excitement as if you are going on a vacation. For this moment with the Lord, listening to his Word and receiving his Body, is all the vacation we really need to clear our minds and free our hearts from the troubles and cares of everyday.
Ourparishpriest 2023
