Thursday, July 17, 2003
15th Week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Ex 3:11-20
Gospel: Mt 11:28-30

Jesus spoke thus, "Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is good and my burden is light."

Commentary

The religion of Jesus does not nullify laws but puts them in another perspective. It starts not with the effort to please God but with the conviction that the Father is pleased in him. What governs his actions are not rules that are imposed from outside. It is rather his own identity, who he is-God's beloved Son-and the understanding of the dignity and honor that identity bestows on him. We who follow Jesus and have become members of his Body can only but share in the joy of being God's children. We are happiest when we fulfill God's commandments, for they are expressions of love. Knowing how our Father loves us, we can only respond to him in love.

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