Volume II

14th

Sunday

7/5/2026

Contents: Volume 2

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The Gospel reading according to Matthew for this Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time is particularly aimed at those of us who feel a bit weary, burdened, and/or in need of rest. Actually, I think that means all of humanity, those who know they need a rest and those who will need one shortly. Life in today’s world is just not easy, physically, financially, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, or in any other way.

Jesus can give us any strength and rest we need, however. He is the way, the truth, and the life. We just need to listen to him as “little ones”, not “know-it-alls”, not arrogant or prideful, and then follow the path he took himself and left as a legacy for his followers.

Our other readings this day give us more information. The first reading from the book of Zechariah is a glimpse of this Jesus, our King and the Savior of the World who would enter Jerusalem on a humble ass/donkey, not in any extravagant way that we might imagine now, about two thousand years later. There is a huge gap in Jesus’s humbleness and the extreme showmanship of many of today’s “leaders” who are not exactly leading in the direction of equality and peacefulness.

What is it that we can “do” to live in greater humility and peace as starters? I think the answer is to accept the way of Jesus, a little at a time, each day. Alice Camille in This Transforming Word Cycle A encourages us to leave the “do-it-yourself life” of the past and trust “the alive-and-present God “ Who dwells within us now, as we are reminded in the Letter to the Romans. One doesn’t have to be extremely wise to weigh that living for what will surely disintegrate one day is not “better” than living for the promise and grace of Jesus’s yoke that is ultimately an easier and lighter burden. Each of us do need to take that to heart, however, and begin to live more of this “new life” in Christ, a little at a time.

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14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Zechariah 9:9-10; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30)

Of all the symbols of the United States, none commands as much attention as the Statue of Liberty. This colossal image was a gift from France, originally intended to commemorate the Republic's centennial in 1876. It was placed on a small island near New York Harbor so that immigrants arriving from Europe could see it upon their arrival in the country.

As we celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, the Statue of Liberty stands as a tribute to the ideals of the United States. Since its inception, this country has offered freedom, justice, and opportunity to millions of immigrants from all over the world. It has provided them with the chance to participate in a society governed by the rule of law rather than by privilege.

Inscribed on the statue's pedestal is a poem that captures the spirit of the country. One of its lines is known to students across the nation: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..." The poem was written by a Jewish woman who worked with immigrants. Her words awakened hope for a better life among the poor and downtrodden. That line bears a striking resemblance to the words of Jesus in today's Gospel: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Of course, Jesus' invitation is far more than an offer of political asylum or material prosperity. It is, rather, a call to peace and eternal happiness through an intimate relationship with Him. Trusting in Jesus frees us from the anxiety that consumes so many who seek the ultimate goal of their lives in money, prestige, or pleasure. While these things are not bad in themselves, they cannot offer the fullness of life that Christ won for us. Moreover, when pursued without restraint, they can lead to ruin.

Jesus grants us that abundant life when we accept his easy yoke. That yoke—the bar that binds us to him—consists of his teachings. At times, they challenge us, such as when he insists that we must forgive those who offend us. Yet, we must not forget that Jesus joins us to help carry the burden. His friendship comforts us, and his strength lightens the load.

It would not be accurate to say that the United States is a Christian nation. Nevertheless, the country has incorporated many values inspired by Christianity, such as equality, freedom, and the welcoming of the poor and the refugee. This weekend, all the inhabitants of this nation should give thanks to God for those principles. At the same time, let us ask Him that the United States continue to live by and practice them. They have been a vital source of its strength and greatness. And, as it does so, may God continue to bless this nation.
(Zechariah 9:9-10; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30)

Of all the symbols of the United States, none commands as much attention as the Statue of Liberty. This colossal image was a gift from France, originally intended to commemorate the Republic's centennial in 1876. It was placed on a small island near New York Harbor so that immigrants arriving from Europe could see it upon their arrival in the country.

As we celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, the Statue of Liberty stands as a tribute to the ideals of the United States. Since its inception, this country has offered freedom, justice, and opportunity to millions of immigrants from all over the world. It has provided them with the chance to participate in a society governed by the rule of law rather than by privilege.

Inscribed on the statue's pedestal is a poem that captures the spirit of the country. One of its lines is known to students across the nation: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..." The poem was written by a Jewish woman who worked with immigrants. Her words awakened hope for a better life among the poor and downtrodden. That line bears a striking resemblance to the words of Jesus in today's Gospel: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Of course, Jesus' invitation is far more than an offer of political asylum or material prosperity. It is, rather, a call to peace and eternal happiness through an intimate relationship with Him. Trusting in Jesus frees us from the anxiety that consumes so many who seek the ultimate goal of their lives in money, prestige, or pleasure. While these things are not bad in themselves, they cannot offer the fullness of life that Christ won for us. Moreover, when pursued without restraint, they can lead to ruin.

Jesus grants us that abundant life when we accept his easy yoke. That yoke—the bar that binds us to him—consists of his teachings. At times, they challenge us, such as when he insists that we must forgive those who offend us. Yet, we must not forget that Jesus joins us to help carry the burden. His friendship comforts us, and his strength lightens the load.

It would not be accurate to say that the United States is a Christian nation. Nevertheless, the country has incorporated many values inspired by Christianity, such as equality, freedom, and the welcoming of the poor and the refugee. This weekend, all the inhabitants of this nation should give thanks to God for those principles. At the same time, let us ask Him that the United States continue to live by and practice them. They have been a vital source of its strength and greatness. And, as it does so, may God continue to bless this nation.

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Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.

A service of The Order of Preachers, The Dominicans.
Province of St. Martin De Porres
(Southern Dominican Province USA)
P.O. Box 8129, New Orleans, LA 70182
(504) 837-2129; Fax (504) 837-6604
http://www.opsouth.org
(form revised 10/13/2025)