Intimacy might be the key idea in the Gospel for this 14th week of ordinary time. Being a disciple can be a daunting idea and task. This week we are given a “you can do it” hug. How? In the first reading from Zechariah we hear about a king who though meek can banish the enemy and establish the kingdom “from sea to sea.” This meek king is a very strong, compelling image that reminds us that getting the disciple job done is not just up to us: it has the power of the Lord behind it! Then in the Gospel, Jesus first talks about his relationship with his Father. He uses the word “Father” five times in the first paragraph of this Gospel — and according to scripture scholars he would have used the Arabic word “abba,” the intimate form of Father, like our word “daddy.” Out of that intimacy with his “daddy,” Jesus then gives us disciples the wonderful warm “hug” words: Come to me all you who labor — what disciples do — and are burdened, and I will give you rest … you will find rest for yourselves, for my yoke is easy and my burden light. At the end of the day, picture Jesus and you with a glass of wine, reviewing the day, and letting Jesus lift any burdens of the discipleship day from your shoulders!
– Blog entry by Sister Mary Garascia