Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 5, 2020

ZEC 9:9-10  |  ROM 8:9, 11-13, |  MT 11:25-30

Scripture

At that time, Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.

The Wise and the Learned – A Personal Reflection

• There is a need for a depth of intelligence-Ignorance keeps us apart

Jesus Downplays the Wise and Learned – Extols the Beauty of Being Childlike

• Intelligence without humility and gentleness is a dangerous thing
• Intelligence without humility can lead to arrogance/ judging others of less intelligence
• Being prideful about intelligence can lead to self-sufficiency
• Being prideful can create a “know it all” attitude and can create a wall, not a bridge

The Problem with Learned Men in the Church

• Sometimes locked in the teachings of the Middle Ages… Is it the teaching forever?
• Today sciences of biology, psychology, sociology, astronomy suggest a broader view
• There’s arrogance when the Church doesn’t consider new understandings from science
• Science is not the enemy of theology
• When vetted for the priesthood, I was asked why I had a degree in biochemistry

Intelligence Must Serve the Common Good

• Intelligent person must be meek/ humble of heart/open to seeing things in a new light
• Light shines on the  anawim “little ones”
• “Little ones” in Jesus time means widow, orphans, strangers
• “Little ones” today: Refugee mother at border, challenges of transgender community
• How are we understanding and serving the “little ones”

On our Knees Yoked to Jesus who is Tender and Humble

• Our intelligent way of  thinking will always mirror Jesus’ mind and heart
• The high and mighty, the know it all’s just may be too far away from the little ones

Questions for Reflection

• What impacted you from today’s Readings and/or homily?
• How do you understand the relationship of theology to science
• Do you think that science is a gift from God that is constantly informing our theology?
• If Jesus was talking about the “little ones” today, whom do you think he would be referring to?

Live Connected

• Consider something that science revealed during your lifetime that helped you to understand Jesus’ teachings in a new way
• Pray for a heart that is compassionate for the “little ones” of our day