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.

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