Gospel of the Day
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew 11:25–30
At that time Jesus exclaimed:
“I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth,
for hiding these things from the learned and the clever
and revealing them to mere children.
Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do.
Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father;
and no one knows the Son except the Father,
just as no one knows the Father except the Son
and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened,
and I will give you rest.
Shoulder my yoke and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Humility for Rest
Jesus reveals that the most important things of God are not understood through intelligence or superiority, but through littleness — by allowing Him to enter within us. Acting from pride and self-love exhausts us because we were not created for that. We were created as children of God, to act in His image and likeness: to act from love, with love, and for love. And this is only possible if we become small enough for God to enter.
So often in our daily lives we think our tiredness comes only from external difficulties, but much of that exhaustion comes from wanting to be right according to my own judgement, from wanting to control situations, from wanting to be above my spouse, or from expecting the other person to change. In reality, it is our pride that places a heavy yoke upon us.
That is why the Lord calls those who are weary and burdened, so that we may learn from His “gentle and humble” Heart. He invites us to become little, to live with humility, recognising our need for Him — because it is precisely there that we find peace and rest.
Applied to Married Life
Candelaria: Juan Carlos, resting again? You’re always the same. The moment I turn around, you stop helping. You never get involved with things at home.
Juan Carlos: What do you mean “always the same”? You’re the one who always does the same thing — always wanting everything done your way!
Candelaria: Look, I’m exhausted. The house, work, the children… I can’t cope anymore!
Juan Carlos: Candelaria, I think we should pray for a while. We both really need it.
Candelaria: Yes… you’re right.
(After some time in prayer)
Juan Carlos: You know what? I want to ask your forgiveness. When you get upset with me, I close myself off even more, and instead of helping you, I end up hurting you more.
Candelaria: And I’ve realised that I’m not only exhausted because of everything we have to do, but because of my need to do everything my own way.
Juan Carlos: I think this is what we’re missing — turning more often to the Lord and letting Him help both of us. After praying, I always feel that our burdens don’t disappear, but they become much lighter.
Candelaria: You’re absolutely right! Let’s make a commitment to pray every day so we can count on Him in our daily lives.
Juan Carlos: Perfect!
Mother,
teach us to be humble. Praise be to the Lord.