Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."
Today we honor the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This is also the feast day of the Order of Carmelites who have served the Church extraordinarily well with Doctors of the Church Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of Lisieux.
In today's Gospel, Jesus invites us to enter into his triune life: "Come to me." When we begin to think that our lives are burdensome or empty, Jesus is here to quench our emptiness, to lighten our load. Whatever challenge we may face – illness, broken relationships, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job – Jesus will give us refreshment.
What a good example the Virgin Mary was for Jesus! When we come to him for spiritual sustenance in our daily lives of service, Our Lady of Mount Carmel must take great joy.
Jesus guides us toward our true destiny. He is our "Good News" in a world that desperately needs it. Be alert to the good news. Set aside time to contemplate the scriptures, the privileged expression of our faith. And be a "good-finder."
Jesus will satisfy us with all we need to become our best version of ourselves: images of God.
What does Jesus mean to me and what do I mean to Jesus?
Lord Jesus, help me to see you as my "Good News," my guide and my helpmate.
Get to know our writers! Today's reflection was written by:
Fr. Kevin Mackin, OFM
Did You Know...
Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, is parochial vicar at St. Raphael Catholic Church. He served as a college professor and president of two colleges and a graduate theological seminary. He has published numerous articles and books including A Spirituality for Sunday People, Integrity: Living God's Word, Enjoying God's Gifts, Get Thee Behind Me, Satan: Rejecting Evil.
