St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are in the fourteenth ordinary Sunday of year A. In the first reading the prophet Zechariah calls the people to rejoice in the coming of salvation from God. He lists his reason for rejoicing for the coming of a future king who will be a just, victorious savior, meek, and riding on a donkey. This prophecy is about our Savior Jesus Christ, who Himself said that I am the meek and humble of heart. Do we learn from our divine Savior’s heart?

The second reading focuses on the divine work of the Spirit, as well as the divine gift of son-ship and the divine purpose of suffering. The emphasis is that we are not in the flesh but in the spirit. It is the indwelling of the Spirit in us that makes us adopted children of God and heirs to the Kingdom. We all received the Spirit through baptism and therefore we are assured of the promise of bodily resurrection, which is possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do we choose to live in the flesh or in the Spirit?

What was predicted and spoken about the future King our Savior in the first reading, is what we hear in the Gospel, who is meek and humble of heart. Jesus gives praise to the Father in heaven for inaugurating God’s kingdom through the proclamation of the good news. The mysteries and truths of God’s kingdom are revealed to the little ones who are more receptive and welcoming. Our Lord also assures us that His yoke is easy and His burden light. Do we try to look up to the Lord during unbearable tribulations and suffering, that He takes our pains and burdens and brings us peace, serenity and rest?

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony