14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR A)

1st Reading     Zechariah 9:9-10

Psalm                Ps. 145: 1-2.8-9.10-11.13cd-14 (R. 1)

2nd Reading   Romans 8: 9.11-13

Gospel              Matthew 11: 25-30

FROM LABOUR TO YOKE; FROM HORSE TO COLT

Today is the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) and the Second Sunday in July. We shall focus on the transition from labour to yoke, taking interest in what Jesus says in today's Gospel (Matthew 11:28-29a). Is a yoke not a burden? From what kind of labour and burden are we to be given rest? What kind of yoke is easy and gives rest? The readings for this Sunday then clearly inform us that suffering is inherent in the world, but our response to it matters.

The first reading (Zechariah 9:9-10) gives the image of a warrior arriving in battle to establish his sovereignty and bring peace while expanding his territory. The context of this reading, considering the whole of Zechariah 9, is the Post-Exilic era (c. late 6th Century BCE). Today's first reading is a prophecy intended to encourage and comfort the Jewish people as they rebuilt Jerusalem and the Temple after their return from exile in Babylon.

Zechariah 9:1-8 speaks about warnings given to nations that surrounded Israel and were historically responsible for the destruction and oppression in Jerusalem. They are the "chariots" and "horses" Zechariah refers to (v. Zechariah 9:10). These are war-like aids. This is the oppression, the labour, and, as it were, the burden of the people even as they struggle to rebuild the destroyed city. The kind of labour or burden is external, one that is outside of a person and which one has limited resources to fight. The best thing to do is to hope or rely on the strength of a Humble Savior King (Zechariah 9:9).

Zechariah adds that this Savior-King rides on a colt, the foal of a donkey (v. 9). I believe this is the image of discipleship. A young donkey is a colt. The colt learns by following the donkey. Interestingly, the colt and the donkey contrast the horses of the oppressors. It is not by using sophisticated arms that we win, but by carrying the message of peace. This is a yoke. It is easier to be peaceful and share peace than proving to use arms to win.

To "shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls," the Lord tells us is to "bear the message of peace and hope by learning to be a colt and a child, not by using destructive arms and highly intellectual arguments without faith."

May God grant us peace and strengthen our hope in His saving work.

Pax et Bonum 🕊🙏❤️