Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 14th Week in Ordinary Time – Sunday – Cycle A – Matthew 11:25-30

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Sunday of the 14th Week of Ordinary Time Cycle A is Matthew 11:25-30.

After severely rebuking the unrepentant cities (Matt 11:20-24), in His prayer to the Father, Christ now offers a privileged glimpse into the intimacy of the Trinity and provides hope for the men who obediently follow Him. In just a few short lines, Christ’s prayer to the Father is a powerful blessing that reveals the closeness of the Father and the Son; . He reveals the perfect love between the Father and the Son. He reveals His perfect obedience to, and reverence for, the Father. He expresses His heart-deep thanks for His Father’s blessings. He acknowledges the power the Father has given Him in the world. He confirms the Father’s dominion over Creation.

Christ’s prayer also reveals how men can draw closer to God. Through His example, Christ demonstrates how men can speak with God. He reveals that through the Father’s gracious will, God is hidden from the arrogant (self-proclaimed “wise”) and revealed to the innocent (infants); that only through humble obedience and dependence, men can be open to receiving Christ’s Wisdom. To receive Wisdom, He reveals that the only way to God the Father is through the Son.

Christ’s call to take on His yoke life-changing. The yoke is His yoke, through which men are united with Christ. Christ does not impose His yoke, but gives man free will to give himself to Him. Christ promises those men who commit (to “yoke” themselves to Christ) to draw closer to Him and the Father will receive rest for their souls from the heavy burdens of life; Christ will teach men how to live with humility, gentleness and love. His yoke becomes the vocation of disciples to labor for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Person of the Trinity, Christ reveals glimpses of the relationship of the Father and the Son. Son of God, Christ asserts that God has the power to influence the lives of men and does so. Almighty King, Christ reveals that only through Him can men be drawn to the Father.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is perfectly united with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Marvel at how Christ generously allows you to get a glimpse of His closeness to the Father in today’s reading.

2) Modern society’s spiral into despair is because large and growing numbers of fathers are not close to their children; fatherhood is essential to human flourishing. Consider the importance the Son places on closeness with the Father (CCC 151, 473, 503, 532, 536, 2603) and pray for Christ to guide you to be a better father (both biological and spiritually).

3) After joyfully proclaiming the closeness of the Father and the Son, Christ promises men rest from their burdens to those who draw close to Him (to yoke) and learn from Him. Consider the power of yoking yourself to Christ (CCC 459, 520, 932) and pray daily for Christ to help you to more fully commit to and learn from Him.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ

Virtue of the Day – Faith

Corporal Work of Mercy – To visit the sick