Daily Gospel Reflection for July 16, 2015

Today's Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Take my yoke upon you . . . and you will find rest.

Lord, I am willing to suffer anything for You. I offer up all my sorrows, all my frustrations; I will take on whatever burden You desire, for Your name's sake . . . because that's Your holy vacation plan for me?

Such tension in the Christian paradox: Take up your cross daily, but also, My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

How can we put these two together? Perhaps by thinking of them as the outside and the inside of the same fruit of the Holy Spirit? The peel is hard, thick, heavy, like that cross. The inner reality, what nourishes us, is rich and sweet and full of life.

Let me not be afraid of that intimidating outside, but look forward with joy to the gift that comes inside.

Ponder:

What's going on in my life today in which I'm only seeing the peels? Too much cross, not enough divine rest?

Pray:

Dear Lord, I'm not always seeing that “light” and “easy” part of Your promise. Today I'm handing You my burdens, and I'm going to trust You to carry them for me. Thank You. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Jennifer Fitz