Walking with Jesus: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time A

For Sunday, July 5, 2026

Zechariah 9:9-10; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30


Six weeks ago on Trinity Sunday we heard one of my favorite passages, John 3:16: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” This passage gives an explanation of what God is like and how much He loves each and every person, just the way they are, in their lives at this moment. We might complain about God not answering us immediately and in the way we want. But God loves each of us NOW, as He always will, as time continues and moves into eternity.

Today’s Gospel from Matthew describes more about His attributes: humility, humbleness, meekness. Matthew 11:25-28: “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.”

The overriding disposition of these readings is humility. Jesus, the human manifestation of God, is meek and humble. This tells us something else about God: His high status does not result in pride; He touches us all the time. Am I grateful? Why not?

The first reading is from Zachariah 9:9 and it might sound familiar. Handel’s Messiah memorialized this passage, proclaiming the words of the Lord: “Rejoice heartily … shout for joy. … See, your king shall come to you; a just savior is He, meek and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass.” Certainly a reminder of Jesus’ entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday — followed by the week that would culminate in the total giving of His life to save you and me from ALL of our sins. Praise God! This oracle is an idealized picture of an Israelite king in the peaceful kingdom over which he will rule. This really is a vision of the future, telling us that the future already has arrived. This king is righteous and just, and he is saved — using the Hebrew passive form, suggesting the king is able to save others only because God has first saved him by raising him from the tomb. Zechariah's vision is yet another Messianic prophecy where the king proclaims peace not only to a united Israelite people but to all nations. It’s a wonder that we listen and follow too many of Satan’s urges to put people down so that we feel superior — yet we are all one in God.

Paul contrasts two ways of living: life in the flesh and life in the Spirit. Now when Paul refers to the flesh he is not thinking of specific sexual behavior, but rather human nature in all its limitations that so often draw us away from God. Life in the Spirit is a form of love of God. We are filled with the Spirit when God lives in us — when we are loving, caring, forgiving — bringing and being God to others. So how am I living? Do I like myself and what I want? Am I more important than others? Is love a part of my daily life and regimen? Only life in, for, and with God means true life.

Today's Gospel format can be divided into three parts: a hymn of thanksgiving (vv 25, 26); a Christological statement that explains Jesus’ role in this revelation (v 27); and an invitation and appeal (vv 29-30). The overall theme is wisdom. So what do we learn? We learn that the agent (Son) sent by the Father as a personal envoy is the only One whom, by His life and grace, is able to reveal the Father.

“Learn from me” (Matthew 11:29) directs our attention to ponder, how am I God to you? How are you living, imitating, mirroring Jesus’ teachings and His life? How are you living? There are so many self-help methods, meditations, programs, and other ways psychology can offer … as good medicine does. Coming to God with the vulnerability and openness of a child (i.e., “little one”) can make the difference. Being humble before God, others, life, and oneself means lowering our natural defenses. After all, it’s not about me, it’s about God — God’s love and Jesus’ life and love — and it’s our way to experience shalom — peace — and become disciples, agents of love.
 
So I reflect on:

• What is the difference between childish and childlike? What are some characteristics of the childlike that make them more highly regarded than the wise in God’s eyes?
• How do I praise God and give thanks for what this nation is and will be? Or is this a time for fervent petition for regeneration? I cannot sit — doing is a love action and a living one. 

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“Life at times can be heavy, dull, and burdensome, so we ask for the wisdom necessary to avail of the rest and realization you find for us that provides the space and energy we need to keep putting one foot in front of another.”