Reflection for July 16 Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:25-27

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27

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 the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 

All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

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Reflection: 

What is the life of Jesus? 

It is a life of simplicity, prayer, sacrifice and humility. 

Simplicity is deeply connected with humility, and this is the life Jesus embraced—and the life He lovingly invites us to live as well. Though Jesus is equal with God, He always found time to withdraw in prayer, seeking the Father’s presence, unburdening His heart to Him, and offering Him praise. This is an invitation for us too: to seek the Father daily, to pour out our hearts, and to lift up our gratitude to Him. 

If we desire to grow in wisdom, we need hearts that are simple and humble. God does not delight in self-righteous, self-centered, and ego-driven lives. Often without our awareness, when we choose simplicity and humility, we create a welcoming space in our hearts for God to dwell. Unknown to us, our simplicity and humility shine through our presence, and others can sense God’s gentle touch through us. 

Just as Jesus did, it is essential that we set aside time each day to be with God—to speak to Him and to listen for His voice in the stillness of our hearts. It is in these sacred moments that we grow closer to Him and allow Him to shape us. A beautiful way to begin is by offering our first moments upon waking in the morning, and our last moments before sleeping at night, to prayer and thanksgiving. 

In the quiet of the morning, before the concerns of the day fill our minds, we can turn our hearts to God and invite Him to guide us. At night, as we prepare to rest, we can speak to Him once more, thanking Him for the day He has given us, entrusting to Him our hopes and burdens, and asking Him to watch over us through the night. 

If we feel we do not yet have the virtue of humility, let us be patient with ourselves and continue to ask the Lord to bless us with this grace. For it is only through humility that we truly come to know God, to hear His voice, and to discover the beautiful plans He has prepared for us. 

Do you live with humility? Do you find time each day to be with Jesus and allow Him to fill your heart with His love? – Marino J. Dasmarinas