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Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The theme of today’s readings is very much one of peace and consolation and rest.  Perfect summer reading.  Perfect for the beach, or for church, wherever you go to seek rest.

The First Reading from the prophet Zechariah speaks of a king entering Jerusalem riding on a young donkey.  The scene is one of a king of humility but also of peace.  He rides on a placid donkey rather than on a prancing war horse: “and he shall proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion shall be from sea to sea.”  Sounds like an appropriate reading for 4th of July weekend, and a hopeful message for those of us who find life a little less than peaceful or restful.

Jesus, who is identified with the king in Zechariah’s passage, also brings peace.  He is the Prince of Peace.  “Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.”  Whatever demands Jesus may make on our following him as disciples, he wants to be at all times truly a source of comfort, of consolation and of forgiveness and reconciliation. 

Whatever demands life may be making on us, he is there too to be called on.  When we are in difficulties and pain, we can ask him to take them away.  He may not always do so when we want, but we can expect him to restore our peace.

Picture in your mind the greatest burden you carry.  Now imagine that burden in the form of a large cross which you carry on your shoulders.  Every day it seems that cross gets heavier or becomes so attached to us it seems hard to shake.   The Christian life demands that we carry that cross, but not alone.   Being a Catholic means struggling, but not alone.  As much as American culture says you can do it all, and all by yourself.  That’s a lie.

When Jesus says “Come to me.”  He says let’s do this together.   He doesn’t say set your Cross aside.  He doesn’t say, be a happy Christian and wish your burdens away.  He says Come to me and bring along your Cross.   Show it to me, describe it to me, tell me how it feels, and ask my help to carry it with you.  For we need to remember that faith is not an escape from our problems.  Sometimes Jesus gives us peace not from our pain but within our pain. 

When I speak to young people, I am quick to assure them “Do not expect Jesus or his Mother or some other saint or the Church to be there to wave a magic wand that wipes away all our problems, all difficulties, all obstacles.”   Jesus Christ is always a reminder that in order to find rest in peace in him, we must do it his way take upon ourselves his yoke.

When Jesus uses the image of a “yoke,”  he is talking about a double yoke;  one designed to harness together two oxen, in part to make the work easier.  To lighten the burden.  But also so that the larger ox could train the younger one, help him learn the pathway and grow stronger in the work.   “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”

Your job for this week is to have that conversation with Jesus where you describe the heaviest Cross you have to carry.  He wants to join up with you, yoke himself to you, especially for a task into which you have been yet unwilling to move.   I guarantee you – the Gospel guarantees – that when you hold that vocal conversation with Christ this week, that you will indeed find rest.    Have a great summer.