FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 5, 2020

Joy and praise are the dominant themes of this week’s readings. Zechariah speaks of joy and rejoicing in response to the new things that God is about to do in the midst of His people. He will cause new blessings to happen, banish wars and bring the reign of peace. The Psalmist praises our King and God who has been extremely gracious to His people and whose love is everlasting. We too are invited to sing a hymn of joy and praise to our God. This invitation becomes even more urgent as we live through these uncertain times; since to praise is to trust. In the gospel Jesus blesses the Father who is the Lord of heaven and earth and the source of all good things. He praises His gracious will which desires only what is good for His people. And subsequently, He invites us to a place of rest with Him. Jesus’s faith, trust and praise of His father came at a time following no small amount of obstacles to His ministry especially from the Jewish authorities. We can all learn from His positive attitude as we navigate the twists and turns of life. Now more than ever, we do need new things to happen, we need good memories in place of the depressing ones that have had such an overwhelming effect on us over the past few months. We do need a break from all the anxieties and uncertainties that have been typical of our day to day experiences lately. We do need some peace. And Jesus promises all that in today’s gospel. ‘Come to me all you who are heavily burdened and I will give you rest’. As we begin the second half of the year, may we bow to Him in trust as we commend every single moment of our lives unto His care, Amen.