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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Over the years in ministering to the elderly, especially those with dementia, this scripture passage has taken on incredible meaning for me. Like their much younger counterparts, those near the close of life often take comfort in surrendering their day as their physical abilities and memories fade. Appreciation for even the smallest things, the sun shining, a soft warm blanket, and a favorite meal can all be cause for thanksgiving to God. Ultimately, while they may not remember who carried the meal or whose face they saw that morning, they fall back into that childlike trust and praise for the guiding hand behind it all.

Where we might wrestle to understand, a child intuitively accepts the insight given and understands that they are loved. In those moments where we may battle anxiety, loneliness or despair we forget what the most vulnerable already know - that we cannot do it on our own. Nor were we ever intended to. Jesus speaks here of His intimate connection to the Father revealing Himself to be both the way of love and mercy. Having carried the weight of the world, He asks for us to merely trust him with our daily load.

Yet, why don’t we? Perhaps it is that we feel a need to be in control, for to be “yoked” with Christ requires that a willingness to learn and follow his lead. Yet in doing so, we feel the weight lifting and the solace of His presence, who had been there all along. Today, perhaps you find yourself so exhausted that you are unsure of how to even pray, or words fail you completely. Yet know, even the desire to pray is the beginning of prayer already. Take this opportunity to simply close your eyes and allow your “soul find rest in God”.

In those moments where we may battle anxiety, loneliness or despair we forget what the most vulnerable already know - that we cannot do it on our own. Nor were we ever intended to. #dailygospel

Ponder:

What does it mean to accept that God is God and in control? To surrender ourselves worn, torn, and broken, and find hope in His strength?

 

Pray:

Father, thank You for guiding, supporting and strengthening me when my knees are weak and my feet no longer wish to move. You are my source of strength, and from You I now take my lead in the way ahead.

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Copyright 2020 Elizabeth Reardon