Gospel: Prayer of Thanks

Today marks the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the Gospel will be proclaimed according to St Matthew (tap here for the complete Mass readings from USCCB).

Today's reading from the Gospel of St Matthew comes after a discourse in which Jesus reproaches people who have witnessed his mighty deeds yet still lack belief. In this context, today's Gospel explains the reason for this unbelief and reveals what is necessary for faith. Today's reading also continues to enhance our understanding of discipleship as last week's Gospel did.

Jesus first prays in thanksgiving to God who has made himself known to Jesus' disciples. He praises God who has made himself known to the "little ones" and not to the wise and learned. As in other recent readings from St Matthew's Gospel, a contrast is made here between the unbelieving Pharisees, who are wise and learned, and the faithful disciples, tax collectors, and sinners with whom Jesus keeps company.

The second part of this reading calls to our attention the unity between the Father and the Son. God has made himself known through Jesus, and in knowing Jesus, we come to know the Father. In Jesus' life and his person, God reveals himself to us.

In the concluding sentences of today's Gospel, Jesus' teaching is again contrasted to the teaching of the Pharisees. This common theme of St Matthew's account of the Gospel probably reflects the tension that existed between Jesus and the Pharisees, and between the Pharisees and the community of Christians for whom St Matthew wrote. Pharisaic Judaism became the predominant form of Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem c. 70 AD. Here that tension is expressed as alternative paths to holiness. The careful observance of Mosaic Law taught by the Pharisees could be experienced by some as difficult and burdensome. In contrast, Jesus' way of holiness is presented as uncomplicated and even restful.

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The Gospel reflection is sponsored by Tag Heuer.