Working with the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: hidden these things, wise, revealed them to little ones, gracious will, Come to me, Take my yoke, you will find rest

To the point: What are the things hidden from the wise but revealed to little ones? The previous verses from Matthew's chapter 11 indicate that “these things” are the destruction resulting from being unfaithful to God's “gracious will.” The “little ones” are those who, having received Jesus' revelation about the Father, remain faithful and enter into God's reign of peace (see First Reading). In this Gospel Jesus is the messianic Savior judging those who are unfaithful or faithful. The faithful, having come to Jesus and taken his yoke upon themselves, live in God's peace now. These faithful ones need have no fear of Jesus' judgment.

Connecting the Gospel …

… to First Reading: The prophet Zechariah predicts the messianic age when the savior-king will come to the people in meekness to establish peace. In the gospel Jesus speaks in the present time—to the faithful of his day and to us now who are faithful—of the peace (rest) given now to those who yoke them- selves to him.

… to experience: Often what motivates our behavior in the present is our vision of the future. For example, someone takes an entry-level job and works hard with an eye to promotion and more significant responsibility. When we followers of Christ keep our eyes on the future messianic rest, we choose to remain faithful to Jesus and find his yoke light and easy.

**From Saint Louis University