14TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME HOMILY YEAR A 2026
FAITH IN JESUS HELPS LIGHTEN THE BURDENS OF LIFE
INDIGENOUS ATSIC SUNDAY – OPENING THE DOORS
Mt 11.25-30 Zech 9.9-10 Rom 8.9,11-13
Following last week’s Gospel, Jesus moves to commending John the Baptist for his preparing the way with the call to repentance, but who is now in prison for his efforts, as Jesus continues the call to repent, warning those who don’t respond to his message. Then we jump to today’s Gospel, where his tone is lighter and encouraging for all who take his message to heart.
This is such a well-worn Gospel for me, as I use the comforting words of Jesus just about every time I celebrate the sacrament of Anointing. Simple words, but offering reassurance and peace of mind to those who receive it. And yet, while many Gospel passages are repeated over and over, there is a good reason, because the words are so meaningful to those of faith, and others too!
Just yesterday morning, I was saddened to receive a call from Jackie, the daughter of a dear friend from my years in Manly, just letting me know her Mum Ann, had died a few weeks ago, not long after her 80th birthday. Ann and her husband David, were very involved in the fun and games parish activities of World Youth Day, way back in 2008.
Since then, she lost her husband David and her 2 sons, in difficult circumstances, but stoically faced up to the sadness and loss in her life, to continue being a loving grandmother, and determined to make the most of her own life. She even came to visit me when I was parish priest in Scoresby, after I had returned to Melbourne. There can be no denying Ann’s burdens in life were heavy, but her faith and determination kept her going, such that I’d say today’s Gospel applies to her well, as it does to you and me.
It begins with a further theological reflection from Jesus, on his intimate relationship with God as Father, and then identifying with him, in the mystery of Incarnation, as he walks among us. This is at the heart of our faith, as he speaks of divine wisdom, coming from the Father, and so residing within himself, as he moves to calling us to follow him and offers to lighten the burdens of life.
The words might sound even trite, but there is the simplicity of his call to faith, and his focus on the essentials of the Law he teaches, which is not so much concerned with the details of the Jewish Torah, as with the needs of the people, weighed down by the burdens and demands of the Law, and the difficulties and challenges they face in their own lives.
Jesus speaks of ‘the learned and the clever’ sometimes missing the point, while his uncomplicated message is for ‘mere children’. I don’t believe he is referring just to children however. It’s not a call to be simple-minded, but rather to be informed as to what really counts in life, and that’s in living the law of love he presents and demonstrates in action throughout his public ministry.
Once again, Brendan Byrne SJ puts it well: “The point about little children, is that, being so unlearned and weak, they have nothing useful to contribute in an adult world. All they can do is receive what is given to them. What they give in return is simply what they are really good at: affection and love. Jesus comes back again and again to this image of the child to communicate a sense of human relationship to God.”
In his encyclical ‘Fratelli tutti’ (on Fraternity and Social Friendship), Pope Francis reminds us: “In many parts of the world. There is a need for paths of peace to heal open wounds. There is also a need for peacemakers, men and women, to work boldly and creatively to initiate processes of healing and renewed encounter.”
And, as for being ‘gentle and humble of heart’, he says: “Individuals who possess this quality, help make other peoples’ lives more bearable, especially by bearing the weight of their problems, needs and fears. This way of treating others can take different forms: an act of kindness, a concern not to offend by word or deed, a readiness to alleviate their burdens. It involves ‘speaking words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not ‘words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn.” (FT #225 & 223)
And, as I said last weekend, it’s not a matter of perceiving life as a ‘veil or valley of tears’, but I reckon we need to keep looking on the bright side of life, as we continue to live our faith. Jesus promises to lift the burdens of life, including sin, as he also offers us forgiveness, as we turn to him in faith.
And we remember it is ATSIC week, as we acknowledge the indigenous members of our society, and the need for acknowledgement of their rights, and support with education and health and welfare in general. There will be a short presentation after Communion.
john hannon 5th July 2026