Scripture Reflection, July 5, 2026, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Zechariah 9:9-10 Romans 8:9, 11-13 Matthew 11:25-30

“Come to me all you who labor and are burdened. “

Today's reflection is for all those who feel overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by the pictures of apartment buildings and hospitals and schools reduced to rubble in places like Gaza, southern Lebanon and Ukraine. Overwhelmed by TV footage of body bags carrying victims of Ebola in Africa. Overwhelmed by the number of Ohio families who will soon see their healthcare premiums skyrocket and force difficult family budget decisions. To you Jesus says, "Come to me all you who labor and are burdened. “ But he says more.

It is important for us to remember how Jesus continues his message. He says "Take my yoke upon you.“ You know how a yoke works, don't you? Two are joined and work as one. This is his promise. That when we do the good work of peace and justice, we do not do it alone but joined to him.

So, do what you can in your time and place. Teach one child to read and put her on a path to success. Help one family avoid eviction by working with the parish homeless prevention ministry. Help one mother provide for her unborn child through an alternative to abortion agency. Volunteer for one candidate whose policies best "promote the general welfare“ and Catholic social justice principles. Look around. Be aware. See what needs to be done to build the City of God, then look at your gifts and apply them where they are needed.

And be encouraged by the words of Bishop Ken Untener:

“…We cannot do everything. And there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something and to do it very well.

It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for God's grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the Master Builder and the worker. We are the workers, not the Master Builder, ministers not Messiahs.

We are prophets of a future not our own.”

Amen.

by: Pat Schnee, OPA