July 9, 2023

Sister Evangeline Salazar, OSB shares a reflection on the scripture readings: Zechariah 9:9-10; Psalm 145; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30

In today’s Gospel reading

Jesus celebrates

the power of humility.

Throughout a lifetime

humility is not

one of the qualities

we have been attracted towards.

Our aspirations move us

towards what we deem to be

more important qualities.

We choose to be smarter, healthier,

more beautiful.

We choose power and prestige,

to be in charge,

to call the plays,

to wear the ring,

to have the crown placed on our head.

We enjoy the view

from the golden pedestal

on the high mountain,

believing ourselves to be high and mighty.

It’s a slippery slope.

A very heavy burden.

A burden of our own making

as we grow tired and weary.

Jesus comes along

with an invitation,

“Come to me

all you who are burdened

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you

and learn from me.

For I am

meek and humble of heart

and you will find rest

for yourselves.

For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”

I have been bathed

in the blood

of my Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ.

Jesus doesn’t say

there won’t be a burden.

But compared to

what we have chosen,

what Jesus gives us in return

is a piece of cake.

Remember the story of

the boy and the red balloon?

It’s what Jesus wants for you:

to be happy.

Hold it and hang onto it

whenever you are tempted not to choose to be humble.