Daily Reflection on the Gospel of Sunday, July 9, 2023

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Today, two realities define Jesus in this Gospel: no one knows the Father except him, and He is «gentle and humble of heart» (Mt 11:29). We can also discern in this Gospel two attitudes that we require to properly understand and enjoy what Jesus is offering us: simplicity and the desire to get close to Him.

Wise and learned men often find it difficult to disclose the mystery of God's Kingdom for they are not too receptive to the divine revelation; God keeps on manifesting himself, but as they believe they know all the answers, they consider God may not surprise them anymore. However, the simple of heart, like infants in their best moments, are pervious like a water-imbibed sponge, and they have the capacity to be surprised and admiring. Exceptions can be found, though. Thus, we can even see experts in human relations that can be quite humble regarding their knowledge of God.

Jesus finds his own rest in his Father, and his peace may be the safe haven sought by those life has mistreated: «Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you» (Mt 11:28). Jesus is humble and humility is the sister of simplicity. When we learn how to be happy through simplicity, many complications are dispelled, many needs disappear, and we can rest, at long last. Jesus invites us to follow him; and He is not deceiving us: to be with him is to take his yoke upon us, to assume the demands of his love. We shall not be spared any suffering, but his load will be light, and our suffering will not be a consequence of our own selfishness but, because of love and with the Spirit's help, we shall suffer only what we should and no more. Furthermore, let us not forget that, «the tribulations we suffer for God are softened by the hope» (St. Ephraem).