03/07/2011 - 14th. Sunday in Ordinary Season - Year A
1Reading Zac 9,9-10 Psalm 144 2Reading Rom 8,9.11-13 Gospel Mt 11,25-30
Today we contemplate the joy of Jesus: he rejoices because of how the Father works.
He had just pronounced troubles to the cities which have seen is wonders but did
not come to the faith in him, but now he sees around him those who were to be with
him and from him they await teachings and consolation. These are the poor, oppressed
persons, men who for the world don't count. Here they are with him. These believe,
these know that he was sent by the Father. To them the Father makes sure they know
the Son. The secrets of God are to be rivealed only to the "little" ones.
The one who prides in being wise, or believing himself to be someone infront of
others because of studies, this one remains without the light of mysteries. Who
believes that he is important for others because he knows their issues, does not
share with God, who keeps them to himself, as he is not seen by human eyes. It is
an invitation to remain little, as little is the Son of God himself. Jesus knows
the things of the God, they were given to him fully, because he wants to be and
always obedient, like a child, who finds joy in obeying his father, whom he highly
respect. The same prophets have announced the coming of the eternal king with images
that speak of his littleness: "riding a donkey, a colt the foal of an ass".
He is to make disappear the arms to proclaim peace not only to the people of Israel,
but to all peoples. Peace can only reach those who are humble, to those who do not
want to above others. He, "just and victorious", comes without arrogance,
without any pride. All are comfortable with him, no one will suffer from subjection
no one feels subdued. Everyone will feel loved and welcomed by who comes in humility,
and so everyone can enjoy the deepest joy.
The prophecy of Zechariah begins with the invitation to exultation for the presence
of the king who won his battle with humility. This prophecy will be taken up by
the angel Gabriel to Mary to announce that the king who comes through her, is addressed
to the whole Church when it he is to be sent to all peoples to bring them the good
news of the kingdom.
Today we too welcome the invitation to enjoy, to imitate Jesus, who expresses satisfaction
at the ways of the Father! We bring with us our weariness to him and all that oppresses
us, starting from our sin. We will learn his humility. Humility relieves and enriches
us with, because it allows us to welcome the wealth of divine love. In this humility
will be able to bear the yoke of Jesus, that is, not be subject to heavy commandments,
but to his love.
St. Paul repeats the teaching with other images and other words. "You are not
under the dominion of the flesh, but of the Spirit" : do not obey to our instincts
and not even ways of men, but we let ourselves be lead by the Father, the Spirit
he gave us and now lives in us. We are still here on earth, heading to death, but
we already live in communion with God, free from all earthly conditions.
By receiving these teachings and the invitation to rejoice though still oppressed
and tired, we can share the joy of Jesus with the words of Psalm 145 which was proclaimed:
"O God, my king, I will extol you
and bless your love forever and ever.
I will bless you every day,
praise your name forever and forever.
Merciful and gracious is the Lord,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
The Lord is good to all,
his compassion is over all creatures".