14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In our first reading today, the prophet Zechariah speaks to the ancient Hebrews about matters that pertain to them in any possible future. This message, of course, is conveyed through imagery and language. The Hebrews would understand immediately what is being said, but many of us today need to work through the text. The prophet Zechariah reminded the Hebrews that their power was not in the horse but in their God. The horse was a symbol of occupation and was used to maintain the oppression the Jews were under again during the time of Jesus. The message should also be clear to us today. What “horsepower” do we put our trust in?
In this gospel, Jesus speaks of taking up his yoke and dares to tell them, and you and me as well, that his yoke is easy and his burden light. I gained insight into this gospel one day while visiting one of our Blessed Sacrament Communities somewhere in India, or perhaps in Sri Lanka. This is what happened. I was watching a pair of oxen pull what appeared to me to be an overloaded cart. The old man leading the pair saw me perplexed and said (these were not his exact words, but similar ones that carried the same meaning). “These oxen are working hard, and that’s what they were made to do, but do not think that they are overburdened because the yoke fits each one perfectly. This is not one-size-fits-all.” I immediately concluded that each one is fitted to the particular beast. Then it became clear to me, Jesus, that our yoke is fitted to each of us. Not one fits all. So now I can better appreciate what Jesus is talking about in this gospel. I have stopped looking at someone else’s yoke as perhaps not so much better, easier, or lighter.
I have come to realize that mine is fitted specifically for me. Theirs is fitted to them.
Plenty to meditate on…
Let Us Pray:
Grant, O Lord, that, having been replenished by such great gifts, we may gain the prize of salvation and never cease to praise you. (Prayer After Communion)
