The Nazareth Page  - A gospel meditation for your home

July 5, 2026 – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Matthew 11:25-30

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We are in the midst of celebrating the 250th birthday of the creation of the United States of America. There are many unique qualities of life incorporated into the Declaration of Independence, but I want us to focus on one that in its time was perhaps the most revolutionary: All are created equal. No one is inherently better that anyone else. All are fully entitled to lives of opportunity, value and importance.  And all should be given a path and support to accomplish this.

 Now let’s place this revisionary idea next to today’s gospel where Jesus notes that God does not create some better than others. All are given life and opportunity. Even those considered “little” are created by God, loved by God and cared for by God. Again, we can call this idea as revolutionary then as it is now.

Sadly, this idea of fundamental human equality has often been set aside in history both by secular and sacred systems that set up countless forms of social inequality.  

As I reflect on the 250 years of American history, along with 2000 years since the coming of Jesus among us, I am saddened by the countless ways God’s own “children” (which includes all of us!) have been denied their rightful place as God’s beloved on Planet Earth. The realization of equality of place and opportunity seems to elude us year after year. We can debate whether it’s better or worse at any ponticular historical period, but it’s always there.

With inequality between humans having such deep roots in history makes it all the more difficult to make matters better. But change is possible. One word, thought or deed at a time. The creation of the United States of America was not the accomplishment of one person (although there are heroes) or the result of one action. It was the culmination of years of effort and as is often pointed out today, still “a work in process.”

So I come down to the challenge that in the realization of God’s love for all, I must attempt as an American and a Christian and a Catholic to affirm the full dignity of all. And treat all accordingly,

David M. Thomas, PhD