16 July 2015
Commemoration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Today’s is one of the most beautiful Gospel readings of the year, so I’ll quote it in full.
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. (Mt 11:28-30)
In the midst of summer when students are off from school and many families go on vacation, we naturally seek some rest. Now is a good time to pause and offer to the Lord the various burdens we have. Going to the seaside, the mountains or a local park offers a natural enough release from the cares of work, etc. But we should also come and seek the Lord when we want to be free of the concerns that weigh upon our minds and our hearts.
It is providential that today’s reading coincides with the commemoration of Mary under her title, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the wearing of whose brown scapular is so highly recommended by numerous saints. One of the promises associated with this devotion is that since those who wear the scapular are supposed to be mindful of the Blessed Virgin, Mary promises to be always mindful of them. Taking on the light burden of this small but powerful brown cloth, we may be reminded of our dear Mother who helps us bear life’s burdens.
Today let us bring our cares to Jesus and Mary. Into their hands let us place all our worries. From them we can learn meekness and in their love we can find our rest.