Work Reward on the Way

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our understanding of our mission as Christians and the reward for attending to our vocation.

The Shepherd knows the Sheep

The Reading from Prophet Ezekiel is the Parable of the Shepherds responsibility.

* [34:2] Shepherds: the leaders of the people. A frequent title for kings and deities in the ancient Near East; the ideal ruler took care of his subjects and anticipated their needs. Ezekiel’s oracle broadens the reference to include the whole class of Jerusalem’s leaders (v. 17). The prophet assures his audience, the exiles in Babylon, that God holds these leaders responsible for what has happened to Jerusalem and will give Israel a new shepherd worthy of the title. (Ezekiel, CHAPTER 34 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 23 proclaims God as a good shepherd as is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).

* [23:1] My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Ez 34:11–16; Jn 10:11–18).

* [23:3] Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”

* [23:5] You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in Ps 78:19. In front of my enemies: my enemies see that I am God’s friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Ps 104:15; Mt 26:7; Lk 7:37, 46; Jn 12:2).

* [23:6] Goodness and mercy: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel. (Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses justice for The Workers in the Vineyard.

* [20:1–16] This parable is peculiar to Matthew. It is difficult to know whether the evangelist composed it or received it as part of his traditional material and, if the latter is the case, what its original reference was. In its present context its close association with Mt 19:30 suggests that its teaching is the equality of all the disciples in the reward of inheriting eternal life.

* [20:4] What is just: although the wage is not stipulated as in the case of those first hired, it will be fair.

* [20:8] Beginning with the last…the first: this element of the parable has no other purpose than to show how the first knew what the last were given (Mt 20:12).

* [20:13] I am not cheating you: literally, “I am not treating you unjustly.”

* [20:14–15] The owner’s conduct involves no violation of justice (Mt 20:4, 13), and that all the workers receive the same wage is due only to his generosity to the latest arrivals; the resentment of the first comes from envy.

* [20:16] See note on Mt 19:30. (Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Angela Maynard declares God is incredibly loving and generous. He doesn’t keep track of who does what or for how long. If one believes in God, his love is unconditional and boundless.

Another story that seems to be full of unfairness is that of the Prodigal son. The son who didn’t follow the rules and left the family seemed to be rewarded when he finally decided to return. This was another example of God’s unconditional love—no matter what.

Are there other examples throughout the Gospels that illustrate God’s boundless love even when it may not seem fair? How much time do you spend keeping track of things, making sure that all things are equal—and missing a bigger meaning in the process?

Take some time to reflect and be patient with yourself. It’s taken me many, many years to finally hear the message of today’s gospel. I hope it doesn’t take you nearly as long. (Maynard, 2026)

Rob Kim suggests 5 simple ways to infuse more joy into your work life by approaching work with a joyful mindset can change everything. 

Stephen J. Dubner cites Mark Twain on the Leisure/Work Divide. “Work consists of what a body is obliged to do… Play consists of what a body is not obliged to do”

Don Schwager quotes “Christ our householder,” by author unknown, from the 5th century A.D.

"The householder [in Matthew's parable - chapter 20] is Christ, to whom the heavens and the earth are like a single house; the family is as it were the multitude of creatures both angelic and earthly. It is as if he built a three-storied house: hell, heaven and earth, so that those struggling may live upon the earth, those conquered below the earth, those conquering in heaven. We too, set in the middle, should strive not to descend to those who are in hell but ascend to those who are in heaven. And in case perhaps you do not know which one you ought to shun or which one you ought to aspire to, he has given you as it were a little taste of both while you live between light and darkness: night as a taste of hell, daylight as a taste of heaven." (excerpt from an incomplete Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, HOMILY 34) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the condemnation of the shepherds of Israel by Ezekiel. The royal family and priesthood failed to protect those with no power. God will punish the shepherds and God will be the Shepherd. During the Dedication Feast, Jesus applies passage to himself Jesus will shepherd the Flock. Jesus is God Matthew the landower with a vineyard and hires workers throughout the day The last receive the regular days wage but all receive the same pay regardless of the hours worker The receive generosity God will give the reward of heaven to those working at it and those who come later We don't earn or buy heaven and we experience heaven by opening our heart in our good deeds and prayers early and often.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11 comments that our true Shepherd searches for any sheep that have been scattered. Whether they have scattered because of those trying to cause harm or simply because they wandered off, the shepherd keeps looking until each one is found.

Our true Shepherd binds up the wounds of the sheep and brings healing. You are his sheep, and he restores your broken heart with his love. He heals you when you come to him wounded by sin. He restores you to your brothers and sisters and, through them, provides you with encouragement and hope.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for being my Shepherd. I praise you for your promise to lead me. I am so grateful to be one of your flock.” (Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11, n.d.)

Brian McLaren considers how the Hebrew prophets dreamed of peace in the midst of war and oppression.

The first thirty-nine chapters of Isaiah were situated in the southern kingdom of Judah…. The prophet saw deep spiritual corruption and complacency among his people and warned them that this kind of behavior would lead to decline and defeat.

That defeat came in 587 BC at the hand of the Babylonians. After the invasion, many survivors were taken as exiles to Babylon. Chapters 40–55, often called Second Isaiah, addressed those Judean exiles, inspiring hope that they would someday return to their homeland and rebuild it. That soon happened, beginning in 538 BCE under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah. That era of rebuilding was the setting for Third Isaiah, chapters 56–66.

For readers in later generations, ingredients from these three different settings blend into one rich recipe for hope, full of imagery that still energizes our imagination today….

They shall beat their swords into plowshares,

and their spears into pruning-hooks.

Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

Neither shall they learn war any more (2:4)….

The wolf shall live with the lamb,

the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the lion will feed together,

and a little child shall lead them (11:6)….

Isaiah’s descriptions of that better day were so inspiring that Jesus and his early followers quoted Isaiah more than any other writer. But many other prophets added their own colors to this beautiful vision of hope. In Ezekiel’s vision, people’s hearts of stone will be replaced with hearts of flesh. For Malachi, the hearts of parents would turn to their children, and children to their parents. Joel describes the Spirit of God being poured out on all humanity—young and old, men and women, Jew and Gentile. Amos paints the vivid scene of justice rolling down like a river, filling all the lowest places…. (McLaren, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit as we express thanksgiving for the privilege of being workers in the vineyard who experience the action long sought by the Prophets to beat swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks.

References

Ezekiel, CHAPTER 34 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/34? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/20? 

Maynard, A. (2026, August 19). Daily Reflection August 19, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-19-2026 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). A Prophetic Dream of Peace. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-prophetic-dream-of-peace/ 

Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/08/19/1650173/ 

Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do You Begrudge My Generosity? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Lament Suffering and Betrayal

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to persevere when our efforts to live as friends of Jesus are met with rejection and misunderstanding.

Love for Life Challenge

The Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah presents Jeremiah Threatened with Death.

a. [26:2] Jer 7:2.

b. [26:3] Jer 18:3.

c. [26:5] Jer 25:4.

d. [26:6] Jer 7:12, 14. (Jeremiah, CHAPTER 26 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 69 is a lament complaining of suffering.

 

* [Psalm 69] A lament complaining of suffering in language both metaphorical (Ps 69:2–3, 15–16, the waters of chaos) and literal (Ps 69:4, 5, 9, 11–13, exhaustion, alienation from family and community, false accusation). In the second part the psalmist prays with special emphasis that the enemies be punished for all to see (Ps 69:23–29). Despite the pain, the psalmist does not lose hope that all be set right, and promises public praise (Ps 69:30–36). The Psalm, which depicts the suffering of the innocent just person vividly, is cited often by the New Testament especially in the passion accounts, e.g., Ps 69:5 in Jn 15:25; Ps 69:22 in Mk 15:23, 36 and parallels and in Jn 19:29. The Psalm prays not so much for personal vengeance as for public vindication of God’s justice. There was, at this time, no belief in an afterlife where such vindication could take place. Redress had to take place now, in the sight of all. (Psalms, PSALM 69 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus' Rejection at Nazareth.

* [13:54–58] After the Sermon on the Mount the crowds are in admiring astonishment at Jesus’ teaching (Mt 7:28); here the astonishment is of those who take offense at him. Familiarity with his background and family leads them to regard him as pretentious. Matthew modifies his Marcan source (Mk 6:1–6). Jesus is not the carpenter but the carpenter’s son (Mt 13:55), “and among his own kin” is omitted (Mt 13:57), he did not work many mighty deeds in face of such unbelief (Mt 13:58) rather than the Marcan “…he was not able to perform any mighty deed there” (Mk 6:5), and there is no mention of his amazement at his townspeople’s lack of faith. (Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Sara Schulte-Bukowinski comments that before her Ignatian pilgrimage she was invited to participate in a group discernment conversation among partners of the Society. These Conversations in the Spirit happened all over the world amongst Jesuits and lay colleagues who collaborate in Jesuit works. The fruit of those conversations converged there in the Aula as the Universal Apostolic Preferences were discerned. This shared mission—its clarity and its openness to an uncertain future—is what moved me to tears.

On this Memorial of St. Ignatius I pray for the future of Jesuit Works and all who move them forward, for the Society of Jesus itself, for the entire Christian community, for the world, and also for myself as one pilgrim among many. May we learn from Ignatius what it means to hold the tension between clarity and uncertainty; confidence and humility. May we commit, recommit, and recommit yet again to the fundamental call of the Divine, with humble uncertainty about the details, making space for creativity, flexibility and sharing in God’s vision of a future we cannot imagine. (Schulte-Bukowinski, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes Few miracles done because of their unbelief, by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

"It seems to me that the production of miracles is similar in some ways to the case of physical things. Cultivation is not sufficient to produce a harvest of fruits unless the soil, or rather the atmosphere, cooperates to this end. And the atmosphere of itself is not sufficient to produce a harvest without cultivation. The one who providentially orders creation did not design things to spring up from the earth without cultivation. Only in the first instance did he do so when he said, 'Let the earth bring forth vegetation, with the seed sowing according to its kind and according to its likeness' (Genesis 1:11). It is just this way in regard to the production of miracles. The complete work resulting in a healing is not displayed without those being healed exercising faith. Faith, of whatever quality it might be, does not produce a healing without divine power.' (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 10.19) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reflects that in the reading from Jeremiah, he is ordered to go to the Temple and declare it would be destroyed. This amounts to blasphemy when it refers to the dwelling place of God upon the earth, but it has become a place of superstition and their cult is not kind to the people. They want to put Jeremiah to death but God protects him with a bronze wall. Jesus in Nazareth is greeted with the attitude of “Who does he think he is?” Friar Jude notes that the word for siblings “cousins” in Aramaic also can refer to “cousins”. Orthodox believe the Gospel may refer to half-brothers? Some Protestants believe they were true brothers and sisters. Friar Jude notes Roman Catholic belief is connected to ancient tradition that Jesus was an only child of Mary. Friar Jude comments how we seek the flaws of those too close or familiar to us.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14 comments that Jesus would quote this psalm again during his passion, They “hate me without cause” (Psalm 69:5; see John 15:25). We can listen in on his prayer to the Father in his distress, distress that comes not despite his relationship with his Father but because of it.

We pray it for ourselves when we face opposition for speaking truth or doing right. We may not match the heroism of Jeremiah. We certainly do not love our enemies perfectly, as Jesus did. So we pray this prayer with them, so that in “the time of [his] favor,” the Lord might make us like them (Psalm 69:14).

“Lord, in your great love answer me!” (Meditation on Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14, n.d.)

CAC faculty member Brian McLaren highlights how reading the Bible through a lens of love has inspired many Christians to works of goodness and compassion in the world.

But again, think about what truly biblical Christians (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, liberal, conservative, charismatic, whatever) have done when they have understood the profitable purpose of Scripture. Instructed by Scripture, they have … built hospitals and schools to heal bodies and strengthen minds. They have given money to needy people around the globe…. They have crossed racial, ethnic, and class barriers, seeing all people as brothers and sisters. They have chosen to suffer rather than betray their faith or make others suffer…. They’ve done their work as teachers, farmers, bricklayers, nurses, scholars, mechanics, sellers, public servants, scientists, homemakers, cab drivers, and cooks with a special sense of purpose, love, and joy. Their “good works” included doing “good work” from day to day … as part of their holy, sacred vocation in God’s creation.

Why? Since they understood the real purpose of Scripture, they let Scripture equip them for good works in our needy world. Their words and deeds together have qualified them to be bearers of good news. Sure they have never been perfect, but they have often been wonderful. (McLaren, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to alert us to the danger of satisfaction with popular culture and kindle in us the fire of action to support and care for the people in our home, worship, and work environment.

References

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 26 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/26? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13? 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/how-will-we-use-the-bible/ 

Meditation on Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/31/1635930/ 

Psalms, PSALM 69 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/69? 

Schulte-Bukowinski, S. (2026, July 31). Daily Reflection July 31, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-31-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). They Took Offense at Jesus. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Our Heritage of Humble Help

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to reflect on our vision of a “messiah” and the path we may be invited to follow to receive what we desire.

Humble Heritage

The Reading from the Prophet Zechariah presents a humble figure to restore Israel.

* [9:9–10] These two verses form the centerpiece of chap. 9. The restoration of a royal figure connects the first part of the chapter (vv. 1–8), which depicts the restored land of Israel, with the second part (vv. 11–17), which concerns the restoration of the people Israel.

* [9:9] Your king: a just savior, a figure of humble demeanor, but riding on a donkey like royalty in the ancient Near East (Gn 49:11; Jgs 5:10; 10:4). The announcement of the coming of such a king marks a departure from the view of the royal figure as a conquering warrior. This depiction is in keeping with the tone of First Zechariah (3:8; 4:6–10; 6:12) but contrasts with Haggai (2:20–23). New Testament authors apply this prophecy to Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Mt 21:4–5; Jn 12:14–15).

* [9:10] The River: probably the Euphrates; see note on Ps 72:8. (Zechariah, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 145 proclaims God’s mighty acts show forth divine kingship.

* [Psalm 145] A hymn in acrostic form; every verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Acrostic poems usually do not develop ideas but consist rather of loosely connected statements. The singer invites all to praise God (Ps 145:1–3, 21). The “works of God” make God present and invite human praise (Ps 145:4–7); they climax in a confession (Ps 145:8–9). God’s mighty acts show forth divine kingship (Ps 145:10–20), a major theme in the literature of early Judaism and in Christianity. (Psalms, PSALM 145 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Reading from the Letter to the Romans, Paul concludes Christian life is therefore the experience of a constant challenge to put to death the evil deeds of the body through life of the spirit.

* [8:1–13] After his warning in Rom 7 against the wrong route to fulfillment of the objective of holiness expressed in Rom 6:22, Paul points his addressees to the correct way. Through the redemptive work of Christ, Christians have been liberated from the terrible forces of sin and death. Holiness was impossible so long as the flesh (or our “old self”), that is, self-interested hostility toward God (Rom 8:7), frustrated the divine objectives expressed in the law. What is worse, sin used the law to break forth into all manner of lawlessness (Rom 8:8). All this is now changed. At the cross God broke the power of sin and pronounced sentence on it (Rom 8:3). Christians still retain the flesh, but it is alien to their new being, which is life in the spirit, namely the new self, governed by the holy Spirit. Under the direction of the holy Spirit Christians are able to fulfill the divine will that formerly found expression in the law (Rom 8:4). The same Spirit who enlivens Christians for holiness will also resurrect their bodies at the last day (Rom 8:11). Christian life is therefore the experience of a constant challenge to put to death the evil deeds of the body through life of the spirit (Rom 8:13). (Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew proclaims Praise of the Father and describes The Gentle Mastery of Christ.

* [11:25–27] This Q saying, identical with Lk 10:21–22 except for minor variations, introduces a joyous note into this section, so dominated by the theme of unbelief. While the wise and the learned, the scribes and Pharisees, have rejected Jesus’ preaching and the significance of his mighty deeds, the childlike have accepted them. Acceptance depends upon the Father’s revelation, but this is granted to those who are open to receive it and refused to the arrogant. Jesus can speak of all mysteries because he is the Son and there is perfect reciprocity of knowledge between him and the Father; what has been handed over to him is revealed only to those whom he wishes.

* [11:28–29] These verses are peculiar to Matthew and are similar to Ben Sirach’s invitation to learn wisdom and submit to her yoke (Sir 51:23, 26).

* [11:28] Who labor and are burdened: burdened by the law as expounded by the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:4).

* [11:29] In place of the yoke of the law, complicated by scribal interpretation, Jesus invites the burdened to take the yoke of obedience to his word, under which they will find rest; cf. Jer 6:16. (Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Larry Gillick, SJ, comments that religion is a burden of “have-tos” and “ought-tos” if spirituality does not free us. Legal conformity without a sense of the common good, tends toward resistance and resentment. The ways and teachings of Jesus are invitations to freedom.

 

Yes, invitations are central is the personality of Jesus and how we allow Him to personally relate to and within us. Who He is to and for us is central to our responding to His urgings and invitations. He desires to take off His badge of authority and replace it with His gentle countenance and life-affirming winks. This is the tension, do we want a pharisee-sheriff or a Gentle Presence abiding. He does see all that the Pharisees saw, but with gentle professorial glasses. (Gillick, 2026)

In a connection to the MacPherson heritage, James and John McPherson were privates, perhaps unwilling conscripts, in the 82nd Regiment ,raised in 1778, to combat the Rebels in the 13 Colonies who chose to accept a plot of land in Nova Scotia, where the invitation to become the 14th Colony had been rejected, rather than return to Scotland.

Historically, remember, there were many Loyalists in those times of early dependence that fought against separation from England. They wanted the older and more conventional ways. So there were many followers of Jesus who grew frightened of trusting Jesus and His new ways. This year, the Fifth of July can be a new freedom Day as we receive the Word and the Eucharist as His way of loving and living more His Gentleness of Heart within us. (Gillick, 2026)

Learn from Me and You Will Find Rest for Your Soul

Don Schwager quotes “The grace of Christ bears us up,” from an anonymous early Christian teacher.

"'My yoke is easy and my burden light'... The prophet says this about the burden of sinners: 'Because my iniquities lie on top of my head, so they have also placed a heavy burden on me' (Psalm 38:4)... 'Place my yoke upon you, and learn from me that I am gentle and humble of heart.' Oh, what a very pleasing weight that strengthens even more those who carry it! For the weight of earthly masters gradually destroys the strength of their servants, but the weight of Christ rather helps the one who bears it, because we do not bear grace; grace bears us. It is not for us to help grace, but rather grace has been given to aid us." (excerpt from the INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 29: PG 56:780) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 11:25-30 comments that when Jesus told his disciples to take his yoke upon them, they would have understood what he meant: “Take up my teaching. Immerse yourself in my words. Let what I have taught you become your highest priority and greatest treasure.” They would have also known why he said that his yoke is “easy” and his burden is “light”: anyone who takes up his yoke will find relief and “rest” from their other concerns and burdens (Matthew 11:30, 28).

We often think of a yoke as a burden: a heavy instrument that weighs us down and restricts our movement. We might even think this way about the practice of pondering Jesus’ teachings. But he promises the exact opposite: dwelling on his words in Scripture raises our hearts and minds to heaven. It opens us up to the presence of his Spirit, who wants to heal our wounds, strengthen our wills, and shape our desires. It helps us to understand that the life he calls us to is a joy and a privilege.

Jesus is a shepherd who wants only what is the best for us. His words are filled with wisdom and guidance. They have the power to shape our hearts and minds after his own image. So let’s study them. Let’s contemplate them. Let’s invite his Spirit into our hearts so that his yoke becomes easier and his burden lighter every day.

“Jesus, thank you for teaching me the way I should go!” (Meditation on Matthew 11:25-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Zechariah, written rather late in the Hebrew Testament, the hero is riding on a donkey indicating the Messiah would be meek and vulnerable. This is fulfilled during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem at Easter. Paul contrasts “sarx", our concupiscence in a different manner than John who understands our material nature as a more negative opposition to the Spirit.  We have to live according to the Spirit.  In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus thanks the Father for mysteries revealed to the simple contrary to our assumption, at times, that theologians know better, but those who believe without analytic proof are like a child who will trust without extensive explanation. We should remember that when Jesus implores us to “Take my yoke” it refers to a yoke carved for two oxen not one. The custom fit was to that particular ox. If we try to plow on our own we do not make straight furrows. Friar Jude reminds us that our burdens are the Way we collaborate with Christ.

A Surprising Teaching

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC teacher Brian McLaren who sets the scene for comments in the Daily Meditations that will reflect on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–16), Jesus’s core teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. 

Jesus begins in a fascinating way. He uses the term blessed to address the question of identity, the question of who we want to be. In Jesus’s day, to say, “Blessed are these people” is to say “Pay attention: these are the people you should aspire to be like….” It’s the opposite of saying “Woe to those people” or “Cursed are those people,” which means, “Take note: you definitely don’t want to be like those people….” His words no doubt surprise everyone, because we normally play by these rules of the game:

• Do everything you can to be rich and powerful.
• Toughen up and harden yourself against all feelings of loss.
• Measure your success by how much of the time you are thinking only of yourself and your own happiness.
• Be independent and aggressive, hungry and thirsty for higher status in the social pecking order.
• Strike back quickly when others strike you, and guard your image so you’ll always be popular.

But Jesus defines success and well-being in a profoundly different way…. He advocates an identity characterized by solidarity, sensitivity, and nonviolence. He celebrates those who long for justice, embody compassion, and manifest integrity and nonduplicity. He creates a new kind of hero: not warriors, corporate executives, or politicians, but brave and determined activists for preemptive peace, willing to suffer with him in the prophetic tradition of justice… (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the position of Jesus as a humble teacher who invites us to learn the fullness of life in a custom partnership that He refers to as a yoke and presents a Way for life that is true and meaningful.

References

Gillick, L. (2026, July 5). Daily Reflection July 5, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 5, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-5-2026 

Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?25 

Meditation on Matthew 11:25-30. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 5, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/05/1608800/ 

Psalms, PSALM 145 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/145? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Surprising Teaching. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 5, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Learn from Me and You Will Find Rest for Your Soul. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 5, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Zechariah, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 5, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/zechariah/9?9