Our Burdens and God's Intervention at the Right Moment

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 05, 2026

Readings: Zechariah 9:9–10; Psalm 145:1–2, 8–11, 13–14; Romans 8:9, 11–13; Matthew 11:25–30

A dog and a child under the rubble of the devastating earthquake
that hit Venezuela recently. A perfect example of
how even in misery God knows how to take care of us.
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/pF6CMU-y3iQ 

Often our lives are burdened with things. Life here on earth is not easy. It may seem nice, beautiful, happy-go-lucky, yet there are times when we feel down and have questions which may not have immediate answers. Especially when the person is diagnosed with an incurable illness, when married life gets into trouble, when there is no peace in religious or priestly life, when someone does not find the right partner in one's life, when someone struggles to find an appropriate job, when, despite hard work and investment, nothing is clicking in one's business enterprise, we feel immensely miserable. The list is endless. Everyone is in trouble on this earth. Philosopher Thomas Hobbes said, "We are chained everywhere." However, when we place our trust in God completely and allow God to take control of us, our worries certainly go down. Sometimes, we must allow God to decide for us rather than we decide for ourselves based on our abilities and inclinations. It is not we who decided to come into this world. The liturgical readings on this 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time encourage us to put our burden on our God.

1. Our Success only when God intervenes in our lives

The readings of this Sunday invite us to discover the true source of peace, strength, and freedom. In a world that glorifies success, competition, and self-sufficiency, Jesus presents a radically different way—the way of humility, surrender, and life in the Spirit. Jesus begins with a prayer of thanksgiving in Matthew 11:25–30: "I thank you, Father... because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children."

God's kingdom is not reserved for the intellectually gifted or the socially powerful. Rather, it is revealed to those who possess the simplicity and openness of a child. A child trusts, depends, and receives. Pride closes the heart to God, but humility opens it to His grace. The Gospel reminds us that knowing about God is different from knowing God. A humble heart recognizes its need for God and welcomes His presence.

2. Problems end when we find Jesus in our lives

The Gospel reading is full of comfort and solace: "Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus does not say, "Solve your problems first and then come." He invites us exactly as we are—tired, anxious, disappointed, guilty, or overwhelmed. Many of us carry invisible burdens: the pressure to succeed, family worries, financial struggles, broken relationships, loneliness, fear of the future, spiritual dryness. The list goes on. It ends only when we find Jesus in our lives. 

Often we try to carry these burdens alone. We seek relief in distractions, possessions, or achievements. Yet none of these gives lasting peace.  Jesus offers something deeper than temporary relief. He offers Himself. Rest in Christ does not mean a life without problems. Rather, it means discovering His presence within our struggles. Following Jesus certainly requires sacrifice, forgiveness, generosity, and perseverance. Yet these become lighter because they are rooted in love rather than fear.

3. Taking responsibility of our lives through the strength of the Holy Spirit

St. Paul has beautiful words to remind us in Romans 8:9, 11–13: "You are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you." To live "according to the flesh" is to allow selfish desires, ego, and worldly ambitions to govern our lives. To live "according to the Spirit" is to let the Holy Spirit shape our thoughts, decisions, and relationships. The Spirit transforms us from within. Instead of: fear, He gives courage; anger, He gives forgiveness; selfishness, He gives generosity; despair, He gives hope.

Christian life is not merely about following rules, dogmas and rituals but about allowing the Spirit of Christ to live within us. Modern culture often tells us that freedom means doing whatever we want. The Gospel teaches something far deeper. Real freedom comes from belonging to Christ. The more we surrender to His love, the freer we become from anxiety, pride, addictions, jealousy, resentment, and fear.

Questions for Personal Reflection

1. Do I approach God with the humility and trust of a child, or do I rely primarily on my own abilities?
2. How is the Holy Spirit inviting me to grow in love, forgiveness, and generosity?
3. What practical step can I take this week to deepen my relationship with Christ and allow Him to carry my burdens?

Concluding Prayer

Loving Father,

We thank You for revealing Your love to the humble and for inviting us to come to Jesus with all our burdens. When we grow weary, remind us that Your Son is always ready to receive us with compassion and to give us true rest. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, so that we may put aside selfishness and live according to Your will. Grant us humble hearts, trusting faith, and the courage to carry the yoke of Christ with joy, knowing that He walks beside us every step of the way. May our lives reflect the gentleness and humility of Jesus, bringing peace, hope, and encouragement to all whom we meet. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

03 July 2026

Hospitality of the Lord: Making a Foreigner Feel at Home

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 28, 2026

Readings: 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16; Ps 89:2–3, 16–19; Rom 6:3–4, 8–11; Mt 10:37–42

ಇವನಾರವ ಇವನಾರವ ಇವನಾರವನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸದಿರಯ್ಯ. (ivanarava ivanarava ivanaravanendu enisadirayya.)

ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವ ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವ, ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸಯ್ಯ. (iva nammava iva nammava, iva nammavanendu enisayya.)

ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮದೇವಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯ ಮಗನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸಯ್ಯ. (kudala sangamadeva nimma maneya maganendu enisayya.)

[Don't make (me) think, "Whose is this man? Whose is this man? Whose is this man?"

Make (me) think, "This is our man. This is our man. This is our man."

Oh the Deity of kudala sangama, make (me) think that "I am a son of Your house."] 

These beautiful words written by Basavanna (1131–1196) in his Vachanas/sayings give the crux of what hospitality means. Don't ask who this man is instead accept him/her as your own brother or sister. As we meditate over the liturgical readings on this 13th Sunday in Ordinary time, the Word of God invites us to embrace everyone as our brothers and sisters, so that we may truly call ourselves as children of God. 

1. Embracing the Other with True Hospitality

The pretty emotional tone that we find in 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16 where prophet Elisha is accepted as a member of the household not by a man but a woman who was barren. The kindness of the woman is such that she makes her husband to give the best of the hospitality to the prophet of God. She swiftly recognizes the holiness in Elisha moreover provides generously as one of the family members.

Preciousness in the Eyes of God

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 21, 2026

Readings: Jeremiah 20:10–13; Psalm 69:8–10, 14, 17, 33–35; Romans 5:12–15; Matthew 10:26–33

Madonna of the Sparrow

Are we afraid of someone or something? Feeling insecure about something or someone is quite normal to our human nature. Due to our limitedness and mortality, we tend to feel uncomfortable with many things. Safety and security are very essential for a peaceful and creative existence. When we see there are threats around us, we feel uneasy and uncomfortable. Jesus was bold enough to say, "Fear no one." Fear begets fear. Jesus was clear about his priorities. Jesus did not mince his words. He called spade as spade. The liturgical readings on this Sunday encourage us to realize how precious we are and invite us to have the same courage of Jesus in our lives.

1. The Courage to Live in the Truth

In today's Gospel Matthew 10:26–33, Jesus speaks to His disciples as He prepares them for the challenges of mission. He knows that following Him will not always be easy. There will be opposition, misunderstandings, rejection, and even persecution. Yet His message is clear: "Do not be afraid." This phrase is repeated several times, reminding us that courage in discipleship comes not from our own strength but from trusting in God's loving care.

A Call for the Greater Good

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 14, 2026

Readings: Exodus 19:2–6; Psalm 100:1–2, 3, 5; Romans 5:6–11; Matthew 9:36–10:8

Christ as Lamb of God by Cornelis Engebrechtsz, c. 1510
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/BEcYNHSrpoE 

There is a purpose for everything. We have come into this world with a purpose. Without a particular intention, we do not go to school or college, find a suitable work or a partner, or look for a place or job. Everything around us moves with a cause. We simply cannot deny ourselves or the purpose of our existence, saying that we are here for nothing. We are here on this earth with a reason. Different religions and spiritualities enumerate this with various concepts or philosophies. However, for a Christian, being called to be a Christian itself is a mission and purpose. It is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. It is to imitate him through our words and deeds and finally be with him. The liturgical readings of this Sunday invite us to know the real purpose of our lives. Jesus shows his disciples what an authentic call should be. Moreover, he prepares them to walk the paths of their call by being ambassadors of his mission.

1. The Compassion that Sends

The Gospel of Matthew 9:36–10:8 presents a moving image of Jesus looking upon the crowds. He does not merely see a multitude of people; He sees their pain, confusion, loneliness, and spiritual hunger. In fact, he sees that they are lost completely in the midst of the religious hypocrisy of Judaism and political subjugation under the Romans. St Matthew tells us that Jesus was "moved with compassion" because they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." 

Corpus Christi - Bread of Life, Bond of Unity

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi): June 07, 2026

Readings: Deuteronomy 8:2–3, 14–16; Psalm 147:12–15, 19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; John 6:51–58

The Last Supper
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/uzpAgoD6L34

Friends and dear ones leave behind great memories. They continue to live with us through various beautiful experiences and moments where we felt good, joyful and blessed. The memories of our best friends remain forever. They continue to remind those moments that we lived together and enjoyed together. If our friends leave behind some things or gifts as a sign of love, then whenever we see them, the memory of our friends brings them back to us. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, also called Corpus Christi, we remember the profound mystery of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist. Jesus too left behind the gift of the Holy Eucharist, where he gave us bread and wine as a symbol of his body and blood, as well as a memory that he continues to live with us, within us and among us. 

1. Corpus Christi: Partakers of Divine Nature

One of the beautiful gifts that Jesus left behind for us is the Eucharist. Where the Eucharist is, there is a Church and where the Church is, there is the Eucharist. Everything that comprises the Church revolves around the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ are shared. Perhaps it's difficult to understand the profound mystery behind this sacrament, yet we partake in God's divine nature  (1 Peter 2:4) by receiving the body and blood of Christ at every Eucharist. 

The Holy Trinity - Called to Worship God in Unity

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (Sunday): May 31, 2026

Readings: Exodus 34:4–6, 8–9; Daniel 3:52–56; 2 Corinthians 13:11–13; John 3:16–18

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:  https://youtu.be/hlg4EHpVbaw

We cannot claim that we know everything or that we can understand fully. In fact, we can claim boldly that we know something, but it still remains unclear. There is space for paradox and mystery in our lives. A mystery always remains unexplained and in perplexity. Therefore, we need to give space for such situations and unexplained things. What cannot be grasped and understood should be left for after thought. Perhaps at some point in our lives, it will be made clear. This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. It invites us into the mystery of God who is not distant or solitary, but a communion of love — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

1. Holy Trinity: Mystery of God's Sovereignty

The feast does not simply ask us to understand God intellectually; rather, it calls us to experience God relationally. The Trinity reveals that at the very heart of God there is love, communion, and self-giving. In the Gospel, John 3:16–18, Jesus speaks one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” God’s relationship with humanity begins not with judgment, fear, or punishment, but with love. 

Pentecost: Gifting the Holy Spirit

Pentecost Sunday: May 24, 2026

Readings: Acts 2:1–11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29–31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3–7, 12–13; John 20:19–23

Coming down of the Holy Spirit on the Virgin Mary and the Apostles
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:  https://youtu.be/-CRm9dx0fnQ

In times of fear, we need someone to give us courage. In times of anxiety, we want someone to listen to us. In times of grief, we need someone to support us. In times of hopelessness, we need someone to give us hope. In times of threat, we need someone to stand by us. The death and crucifixion of Jesus brought the disciples to their knees. Not only could they not understand what happened to their Master, but they feared death. In such a time, the Holy Spirit comes down upon them and transforms them completely. As we celebrate the feast of Pentecost on this Sunday, the liturgical readings invite us to delve deeper into the mystery of the Third Person of the Trinity, that is, the Holy Spirit, and embrace it completely. 

1. Pentecost: Brings Life-Changing Moments

The feast of Pentecost is the celebration of God’s Spirit poured out upon the Church and upon every believer. The readings of this Sunday invite us to reflect on the Holy Spirit, who brings courage in fear, unity in diversity, and life in a wounded world. In the Acts of the Apostles (2:1–11), the disciples are gathered together in fear and uncertainty. Suddenly, the sound of a mighty wind fills the house and tongues of fire rest upon them. The frightened disciples become courageous witnesses. The Spirit changes ordinary people into fearless proclaimers of God’s love. 

Ascension of the Lord - Marking a New Beginning of His Presence

The Ascension of the Lord: May 17, 2026

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus is being ascended into heaven
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/jjgQFk1lIN8

We may feel, sometimes, that everything is perfect. Then, suddenly, something unexpected might happen, and everything changes. We expect many things from our dear ones. However, things could be blurry and uncertain. Nothing is static, including our expectations and the outcome of events. This is exactly what happened to the eleven disciples when they said goodbye to the Risen Lord in a hurry. Even before they could capture the whole event that was happening before their eyes, everything became history. But the unexpected event of Jesus being taken up into heaven, surrounded by angels and the heavenly host, the disciples came down the mountain rejoicing and singing psalms. As we gather together to celebrate the Ascension Sunday of our Lord,  the liturgical readings give us a very vivid account of the Ascension and invite us to be absorbed by this mystery. 

1. Ascension: Not about Absence, instead Eternal Presence

The feast of the Ascension of the Lord often gives the impression that Jesus is leaving the earth and departing from His disciples. Yet the Gospel of Matthew ends not with absence, but with a promise of abiding presence: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” The Ascension is therefore not about distance, but about a new way of Christ being present among His people. Jesus entrusts His mission to ordinary disciples, assuring them that they will never walk alone.

Easter - Giving Reasons for the Hope of Others

Sixth Sunday of Easter: May 10, 2026

Readings: Acts 8:5–8, 14–17; Psalm 66:1–7, 16, 20; 1 Peter 3:15–18; John 14:15–21

St Peter Preaching to the crowds

Christianity, as a religion, is built on certain values and principles: Love, compassion, peace, joy, mercy, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control and many more. These are also the fruits of the Holy Spirit (St. Paul in Galatians 5:22–23). The boldness and courage the disciples of Jesus experienced after the resurrection are remarkable. Instead of hate and revenge, love and reason become the strength of the disciples of Jesus. They preach good in place of evil, suffering in place of revenge, righteousness in place of unrighteousness. St Peter, as the head of the early Church, advises Christians to give reasons for the hope of others. Make others understand the faith in Jesus through intelligent conversations. In other words, gentleness and compassion become the instruments to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. The liturgical readings on this Sunday precisely do that. Only love is credible, and courage is possible when you carry with you the Risen Lord. 

1. Love is shown more in deeds than words

In the Gospel of  John 14:15–21, Jesus speaks tenderly to His disciples before His suffering and death. He knows that fear, confusion, and loneliness are beginning to fill their hearts. Yet His words are not words of abandonment; they are words of promise, companionship, and love. Jesus assures them that although He may leave physically, He will never leave them orphaned. The Father will send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, who will remain with them forever.