This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, July 9th is from Matthew 11:25-30.
“At that time Jesus exclaimed: . . . ‘Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.’”
Reflection
“In our society, we tend to regard meekness as weakness. The word meek is defined as enduring difficulties with patience and without resentment. Jesus would endure crucifixion and death—with patience and without resentment. To make our trials easier to endure, Jesus assures us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. We have in Jesus someone who will carry any difficulty we have.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Summer 2023
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Genesis 28:10-22a; Matthew 9:18-26
Tuesday Genesis 32:23-33; Matthew 9:32-38
Saint Benedict, Abbot (Memorial) – Born in Italy, Benedict became a monk. He attracted followers and built small monasteries for those wishing to share his lifestyle. He wrote his Rule, a guide emphasizing moderation, humility, obedience, prayer, and manual labor as the way to holiness. Considered the Patriarch of Western monasticism, he was proclaimed Patron of Europe in 1964.
Wednesday Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a; Matthew 10:1-7
Thursday Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45-1-5; Matthew 10:7-15
Friday Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Matthew 10:16-23
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin (Memorial) – Born in New York, Kateri was four when her family died from a smallpox epidemic that left her with impaired eyesight and a disfigured face. Inspired by missionaries, she was baptized. Amidst growing persecution in her community, Kateri escaped to Kahnawake, near Montreal. She had a strong devotion to the Eucharist and a deep concern for others. She was canonized in 2012, the first Native American saint.
Saturday Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a; Matthew 10:24-33
Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Memorial) – Baptized as Giovanni, he was supposedly named Bonaventure (meaning “good fortune”) by Francis of Assisi, who cured him of a childhood illness. After joining the Franciscans, he went to the University of Paris to study and teach philosophy and theology. He later served as minister general of the Franciscan Order. He was canonized in 1482 and declared a doctor of the Church in 1588.