16 June 2023 – Only By Grace Reflections

#SolemnityoftheSacredHeartofJesus

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TOPIC: DO YOU FIND PEACE IN JESUS’ WORDS?

First Reading: Deuteronomy 7: 6-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 10
Second Reading: First John 4: 7-16
Alleluia: Matthew 11: 29a
Gospel: Matthew 11: 25-30

In today’s reading, Jesus says: “Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart”. The Gospel shows the tenderness with which Jesus welcomes, accepts the little ones. He wanted the confused, oppressed and poor to find rest and peace in him. Just like the troubled young man in our opening story.

Jesus extends His invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.” Who are the ones laboring wearily and heavily burdened? Again, it is the common people. Jesus then chastises the scribes and Pharisees because “they tie up heavy burdens hard to bear and lay them on the shoulders of others, but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.”

Jesus further invites the weary: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” What is the yoke Jesus offers? We might infer that it is His teaching, His way of discipleship, which is not burdensome but life-giving. He invites the weary to learn from him, for he is not a tyrant who lords it over his disciples but is “gentle and humble in heart.” His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. It is life yoked to Jesus under God’s gracious and merciful reign, free from the burden of sin and free to rest deeply and securely in God’s grace.

This is the 1159th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Jess Ferrer, Head of the CFC Migrants Program, as he brings us today’s reflection.]

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God’s message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]

#OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesForChrist

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