Reflection From

Fr. Davis

July 5, 2026

Meekness does not mean weakness. In our Gospel today, our Lord describes Himself as “meek and humble of heart.” As we know, these self-descriptions and personality dispositions of His are anything other than weak and incapable. In regards to Jesus, they evidence a tremendous example of spiritual strength and an anchoring in a redemptive style of love.

Being meek and humble of heart opened Him to relationship. It positioned Him as to be approachable. It gave Him human and religious credibility. It created a platform that welcomed the listening ears of the multitudes. It enabled Him to inspire, touch, and to heal. In short, as Jesus lived with meekness and humility of heart, He was free of anything that would encumber His salvific plans for the redemption of human kind. His was a spiritual disposition that occasioned the far reach of the Kingdom of God.

I find it fascinating that our Lord begins this section of the Gospel by placing the example of a little child before His disciples and before the believing community, even today. He continues His teaching ministry in an effort to further train the disciples, as to how they are to be, to grow, and to mature. Jesus is instructing them in the spiritual foundations of a healthy and productive spiritual life as His followers. There is an innocence and sincerity about children; they have a certain fascination with learning, adventure, and discovery. They reflect a certain openness to that which is before them. With eyes wide open and hearts that are docile to know and understand, children provide us a concrete example of the foundational innocence and eager interest in the mystery of life, thus serving all of us in the adult community with a clarion calling to let go of resistance, jadedness, and closed hearts. Being meek and humble of heart always welcomes the life of grace and the blessings of new life.

In the final paragraph, Jesus also addresses those who might have an objection to His wholesome teaching. Perhaps they are the ones who have had difficulties in life, the ones who are exhausted by the challenges and burdens of life; the ones who don’t know what to do next. We’ve all been there from time to time. Jesus speaks to us, as He told the Apostles that day long ago, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” His spiritual graces, His way of life, His holy inspirations are always better than our own self-reliance. In this teaching He gives us direction and hope. He gives us a way out from the burdens and isolation we often feel. He teaches us to have a meekness and humility that unite us with Him. Listen carefully: he says, “Come to me….and I will give you rest.” Yes; our Lord wants His people to rest in His assurances, His presence, and the peace that only He can provide. May we take Him at His word and find His blessed promises fulfilled in us.

Father Davis

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