'You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.' Sunday Reflections, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

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First Holy Communion
Holy Family Home for Girls, Bacolod City, Philippines

Readings (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland)

Readings (New American Bible: Philippines, USA)

Gospel Matthew 11:25-30 (English Standard Version Anglicised, India)

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 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 who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”


Léachtaí i nGaeilge


The Census at Bethlehem (detail)
Pieter Bruegel the Elder [Web Gallery of Art]

The Rule of St Francis states that brothers are forbidden to ride on horseback, unless compelled by manifest necessity or infirmity. Many years ago I asked a Capuchin Franciscan friar about this, thinking that it had something to do with the kindness to animals that we associate with St Francis. He explained to me that the horse was the 'Mercedes of the day' in the time of St Francis. So it was a matter of poverty, humility and simplicity for the Franciscan friars not to ride a horse.

Continue at Bangor to Bobbio.

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