Zechariah 9.9-10 | Romans 8.9,11-13 | Matthew 11.25-30

Together with Mother Church, we begin the fourteenth week of Ordinary Time, growing in our experience and knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and the Church.

Today, the Evangelist Matthew speaks to us of the Father’s revelation to the little ones and of the rest found in the Son by the weary.

In His ministry, Jesus turned His attention particularly to simple, poor, and needy people. It was to them that the Father—through the Son—revealed Himself, making known His loving plan of salvation and life.

Those who considered themselves wise and learned—we might think of the high priests, the teachers of the Law, and the Pharisees—were often closed to Jesus’ revelation regarding the Father.

Seeking wisdom is not a bad thing. The Church encourages the study of theological and philosophical sciences. The danger inherent in knowledge lies in thinking one has already attained absolute wisdom, thereby closing oneself off within one’s own truth and looking down on others. Perfect divine knowledge comes from Christ, from the humble and constant meditation on His teachings.

Jesus was keenly aware of the burdens of human existence borne by the people of that time and place. Many felt weary and worn out by the economic exploitation of ruthless Roman rulers, who forced them into exhausting labor. Furthermore, there was the psychological pressure exerted by demanding Jewish religious authorities.

By becoming man—by becoming incarnate—Jesus also submitted Himself to the social and religious conditions of first-century Palestine. Yet, He remained inwardly free within an unjust and unequal society. As the wise Teacher, Jesus invited people to embrace His way of life—in interior freedom—so as to lighten their social and religious burdens, finding rest in Him through absolute trust in the Father.

Even today, people feel the weight of their own existence, often succumbing to depression, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion (burnout). Thus, Jesus' invitation remains valid for those living in an unjust society and under the pressure of oppressive religious authorities. Let us embrace the way of life of the wise Master, Jesus.

Today, the prophet Zechariah speaks to us of the arrival of the just and saving king who would come to put an end to war and proclaim peace.

Zechariah prophesied around the 6th century BC, shortly after the Jewish exile in Babylon. The people were returning to their devastated land—with the Temple destroyed—yet filled with joy at their return after decades of humiliation in a foreign land.

The prophet encouraged God's people, announcing the end of war and the arrival of the Savior Messiah—whom we Christians identify as Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Mary.

Terrible wars are taking place between nations in our own time. There is an urgent need to proclaim the Christian faith, which is capable of restoring universal brotherhood, eliminating armed conflicts, and securing the urgent need for world peace.

Today, in his Letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul speaks to us of the new life lived according to the Spirit of the risen Christ.

The Apostle taught that belonging to Christ required possessing His Spirit rather than living according to the flesh, which leads to death.

For Paul, true life is found only by putting to death the ways of the flesh. While living in the Spirit of Christ means fulfilling the commandment of love, living according to the flesh means disregarding God's Law to pursue one's own will.

We who have received the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are called to advance in this new life according to the Holy Spirit. A life lived according to the flesh is not worth it, for it leads to death. The price is far too high.