The world encourages everyone to be independent. For they say, it is by being by yourself and for yourself that eventually make you succeed and become who you really are. That there is no need for others or even of God for you to be able to reach your potentials or whatever goal you may have to achieve in life. However, this is not really the case in real life. Most people end up losing direction in life and end up quitting or giving up what they have started. It is rather by being dependent on God and each other that make us stand strong in overcoming all obstacles and challenges that come along our way. For it is by being together we stand, while by being independent we fall. The Gospel for today speaks exactly of this reality.

After hearing the rejection of his own people, Jesus rejoices by praising his Father. Why such a joyful reaction in the midst of negative responses? The response of Jesus in praise to God the Father was addressed not to those who rejected but to his disciples, who generously welcomed and accepted his message of salvation. They were those identified by the Lord as having a childlike disposition, while the rest were those of autonomous and self-reliant status.

Disciples, according to St. Matthew, is that of being childlike like Jesus their master toward God, as his loving Father. There is no other way to better understand discipleship and grow in it in St. Matthew but in the context of the Father-and-child relationship. Everything about discipleship relies and depends on it. So much so that when one finds himself or herself so exhausted and heavily burdened by many trials and hardships of life, all he or she needs to do, like a child, is to run to God to be consoled, refreshed and strengthened once again by his loving embrace. For St. Matthew, this is the secret in true discipleship.

~ REV. FR. EDGAR MA. BENEDI-AN, OSM

Finding Rest in Christ

Truth not to those who were wise but to the “little ones”. This was the irony in Jesus’ time. Those who knew the law and the prophets did not believe that he was the Christ. Those who were considered “little” in society, like women and children, widows and orphans, fishermen, tax collectors, and sinners acknowledged him as the Son of God. These were the people who were humble, receptive and faithful to Jesus. Since Jesus is the fullness of God’s revelation, those who acknowledged him were those to whom God revealed himself in Jesus.

In the last part, we heard the Lord’s invitation to take his yoke and learn from his meekness and humility of heart. During his time, the Jews were following the law rigidly that it became so burdensome for them. But Jesus’ “burden is light,” and his “yoke is easy” because he is the fulfillment of the law. To come to him and learn from him is to have faith in him and to follow his commandments of love, the very spirit of the law. Is it not easier for someone to follow and obey the law out of his love for God and his neighbor?

In the Lord Jesus, there is rest because when we learn how to love like the Lord, it will be easier for us to become selfless and to love unconditionally. When there is love, everything becomes easy; our burdens become light, our sacrifices become meaningful, and even in sorrow, we can find joy only if we learn how to love like the Lord.

~ FRA. RONEL MA. ADVINCULA, OSM

“Lord, I’m tired” is one of the prayers I frequently say when I sit at the adoration chapel or gaze upon Him on the crucifix. I feel physical and emotional exhaustion from work and from the struggles of life. Reading Matthew 11:28-29 is a reminder that Christ invites us to rest in Him. To cast all the burdens, fears, worries and pain that we carry into His loving care. He does not want us to go through it alone but to bear them with Him.

Amidst the struggles that drag us to hopelessness, the Lord’s invitation becomes an anchor that we can hold on to and keep us grounded. When I am troubled, I feel at peace sitting in silence before the Blessed Sacrament in the adoration chapel. It is a kind of peace that I feel in my soul. It’s like a warm embrace of assurance that all will be well in His hands. I sometimes pray in tears when I confide my struggles to the Lord, for only He knows how much our hearts need rest, how deeply our souls long for peace, and how long we’ve been holding on. The Lord wants us to talk to Him, to entrust Him our pain and hardships, and to share what weighs in our hearts. He always listens with perfect love and patience. When I bring my struggles to Him in prayer, it feels like a heavy load was lifted off my chest for I know that I no longer carry it all alone.

Truly, in the Lord’s presence, we’ll find rest in our souls. Do you feel tired spiritually? Stay for a little while after mass. Sit with Him for a few minutes in the adoration chapel. Let us rest quietly in His presence.

~ JUDY PASTRANA

PRAYER TO START THE WEEK
Lord Jesus, help me to trust You with a humble and open heart, even when life feels confusing or overwhelming. Teach me to let go of my pride, listen to Your voice, and follow where You lead. May my life reflect Your love and inspire others to grow closer to You. Amen.

Originally published in the Neo Jeremiah Voice of the Young Prophet Newsletter (July 05, 2026 issue).