Homily – 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time (A)

Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Mt 11: 25

As students enjoy their last weekend before returning to school for another term of learning, teachers will also prepare classes and lessons for the days and weeks ahead. Teachers have a special knowledge of how each student learns and how to bring out their best. It was a great privilege for me to visit the students last term in their open classroom for interactive learning, where they worked in small teams as part of a grand “space” project.

I was very impressed with what I saw, where students moved around and interacting like “busy bees” each knowing their roles. This gave me something to ponder, about the many moments teachers and students share in making surprising and exciting discoveries. Each opportunity also allowed their use of creativity. Not to mention the many “aha” moments, when a student finally understands what is being taught and achieves the learning outcomes.

Teaching also has its share of frustrations, when things are not understood or misunderstood. Teaching was part of the Jewish tradition where the mode was oral as many were illiterate. How often do we hear Jesus telling Peter for missing the point about the destiny of the Saviour? How often do we hear Jesus telling the learned, like the Pharisees and Scribes, the true spirit and intended meaning of the Law?

Children are often used as examples when the Kingdom of Heaven is talked about. Now they are used as beneficiaries of divine wisdom and revelation. Children included people like Peter who had little to no formal education. Even without this, he professed Jesus as the Son of God. In response, Jesus said to him that it wasn’t flesh that revealed this to him but the Spirit. For Peter the satisfaction was immense, one which steered the course of his life and ministry.

To take on the yoke of Jesus means to learn. The yoke is proper and fitting for each person, in the same way each student with their own ability and challenges. The yoke that is carried with Jesus is like the saying a burden shared is a burden halved. And this is where the teaching outcome lies:

“Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light” Mt 11:30

By Fr Hoang Dinh