'I thank you, Father . . . because you have . . . revealed [these things] to infants.' Sunday Reflections, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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Christ blessing the children, Nicolaes Maes, 1652-53
National Gallery, London [Web Gallery of Art]
Readings (New American Bible: Philippines, USA)
Readings (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, India [optional], Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa) [This link is to the readings for the Vigil Mass and for the Mass on Sunday]
Gospel Matthew 11:25-30  (New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, Canada)

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.  All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”


One night about forty years ago when I was chaplain in the college department of Immaculate Conception College (ICC) - now La Salle University - I was looking out of an upstairs window of the convento (presbytery/rectory). There were only two persons to be seen in the plaza in front of Immaculate Conception Cathedral. One was a young man, a beggar. The other was a gentle, simple-minded woman known to everyone, Goria, whose baptismal name I take to be Gregoria. Sometimes Goria would ask for money. However, she wasn't a beggar and, as far as I know, spent most of her time with her family in nearby Tangub City. She would smile if you declined to give her money.
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