Daily Gospel Reflection

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July 20, 2023

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Mt 11:28-30
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Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Reflection

Gracie Gallagher ’16
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Almost a year ago, I left my life in South Bend and moved to Philadelphia to pursue my M.B.A. The decision to return to school brought a bundle of emotions, including excitement, anticipation, and fear.

I had to acclimate to big city life, give up the familiarity of my work routine, move away from my friends and family, and learn how to explain in 30 seconds my previous work in higher education (which was foreign to many of my new peers), all while holding onto optimism and confidence. To say this transition was challenging is an understatement. I thought it would get easier, but it got harder every time I returned from a break at home or a weekend away.

Yet, in this year’s whirlwind, I find comfort and guidance through today’s gospel. Jesus invites all who labor and are burdened to come to him. His words are a beacon of hope amid change and provide a reassuring echo of comfort and tranquility.

Jesus acknowledges my burdens and offers to share in them, providing a source of calm and companionship in times of loneliness. Furthermore, the promise that his yoke is easy and his burden light is a profound reminder that I am not alone.

For the past year, I’ve relied on Jesus and others to help me carry the yoke. However, the yoke is a shared responsibility. Not only do we rely on Jesus to help us with our burdens, but Jesus had loneliness and challenges that required him to rely on others. As I rely on support from others, it is important to likewise provide them with the support they need.

This gospel serves as a reminder that we are never truly alone and that when we seek help and support from Jesus through prayer and reflection, we will find the comfort and rest we need in our hearts.

Prayer

Rev. Bob Loughery, C.S.C.

Merciful God, hear your people who cry out to you in their sorrow and need. Console those burdened by trials and suffering. May we find our consolation and peace in Jesus your Son. We ask this in his name. Amen.

Saint of the Day

St. Joseph Barsabbas

St. Joseph of Barsabbas is one of those characters in history who are marginally famous for what could have been. Another roll of the dice and he would have been one of the Twelve disciples.

He appears only briefly in Scripture. After betraying Jesus to his passion, Judas Iscariot committed suicide, and the apostles gathered to choose a replacement. Two men were recommended from among Jesus’ wider circle of 72 followers—Joseph and Matthias—and lots were cast and fell to Matthias, who joined the eleven.

Joseph is also known as Joseph the Just, or Justus, and after Pentecost went out into the world to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Some accounts have him being named bishop, and others state that he worked miracles, including the drinking of poison without being harmed (cf Mark 16:18).

St. Joseph of Barsabbas, the just one who lost a place among the 12 apostles to a game of chance—pray for us!