14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Zec 9:9-10
Rm 8:9,11-13
Mt 11:25-30
Jesus exclaimed: “I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children.”
When Jesus made this statement, he had earlier rebuked certain cities for refusing to believe and repent, even though many miracles had been wrought in those places. Jesus praises God thereafter, for revealing His message to those who have come to him with child-like faith, instead of those who deemed themselves more intelligent for their own good.
As I pondered upon this in my own life, I have found that there have been many times where I leaned on my own understanding, because I thought that was the best way for me, when I should have leaned on God instead. It was during those times when my trials seemed extended and harder to bear. I had hesitations in accepting that there might be a better path out there for me than the one I was travelling on. In the end, I prolonged my own problems and pain by hanging on to what I thought was ‘best’ for me, even though God had been trying to open my eyes to reveal the sorry situation I was in. I was no better than the obstinate cities Jesus had rebuked. How could I go against the infinite wisdom of God? What a foolish notion.
I find that I still do this on occasion, thinking that I know what is better, forcing ahead with my own plans. Not that it is a bad thing — we ought to take the first step (instead of not taking any), but acknowledge and allow God to change the trajectory of our journey. Seeking Him in prayer and trusting Him with ‘child-like faith’ that whatever the course He takes us on, He will protect us and be with us all the way.
In that sense, it does lead us to the rest of today’s Gospel reading, “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.” Perhaps God is trying to also say choose not the problems we create for ourselves, but the path God wants us to follow. Not that there is no burden of responsibility, but the responsibility is to God and not man-made, which will be easier to bear once we fix our eyes on God.
(Today’s Oxygen by Annette Soo)
Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to see the signs that You have set out for us. Harden not our hearts to our own obstinance. Whatever path that You have set out for us, we pray for Your peace and protection to be with us.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for the promise of a lighter yoke. I pray that I will always choose yours instead of a heavier yoke that is of my own making.
OXYGEN 
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