At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers us an invitation, “Come to me.” His guest list: all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, as well as “little ones,” (as we hear in the translation read at Mass) who are contrasted with the wise and learned. Jesus’ guest list seems to be persons who are works in progress, neither self-satisfied, nor self-sufficient. How does the host describe himself? Meek, not haughty or judgmental; and humble of heart–approachable, open, accepting. And what is Jesus offering to those invited? Rest and guidance and a lightened load.
Today is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This feast celebrates that we are loved by the person of the Trinity whose heart is both human and divine. Human, in that Jesus’ heart has experienced grief, isolation, and injustice; divine, in that Jesus’ heart is ever consoling, faithful and creative. Jesus recognizes all the brokenness in us and around us now, and he offers us his compassion and his companionship.
—Tim Reuland serves on the Board of Directors of the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington, IL. He is a lawyer, and an intern in Bellarmine’s training program for spiritual directors.
O Lord, let my heart and my desires be one with yours.
—Tim Reuland
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