We often act on the basis that we are smart enough to figure out the meaning of life and every other problem: and then discover, awkwardly, that the challenge is harder than we expected – indeed that life itself is harder than we had expected. Then, in our ‘wisdom,’ we scoff at those with less learning and more faith who simply believe what God has revealed to them.

Here’s what Jesus had to say about that. “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants: yes, Father, for such was your gracious will” (Matthew 11:25).

Jesus taught on many occasions by large speeches – lectures, we would call them today – his “missionary discourse” would be an example of that (10:5-42). In other situations he taught with short memorable sayings: “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (8:22), or “I have come to call not the righteous but sinners” (9:13). And, as we all know, he often used parables. But in today’s reading we get something a little different: the teaching comes as we are overhearing one of Jesus’ prayers. We learn about the gracious will of the Father by listening to Jesus giving thanks to his Father.

Wanting as I do to consider myself one of the wise and intelligent people, I need to hear the warning Jesus provided: the answers I seek are hidden from people like me. I may think I’m pretty smart, but I’m not going to figure God out on my own: “no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him” (11:27). I can only respond to the initiative of Jesus’ gracious invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (11:28).

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Let me come to you, Jesus, to find the rest my soul needs. I know I cannot get there on my own: without your gracious will it is not possible. But by your invitation, by your holy call, I venture to step forward. I trust in you, O Lord, now and forever.

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