The two parts of this reading — Jesus’ prayer to his Father and his invitation to his followers — share a common focus: poverty. The hymn-like prayer echoes the song of Daniel in Dn 2:20-23, praising God for giving his wisdom to those who empty themselves of their own wisdom. The vision of Dn 7:13-14 sees God placing all things into the possession of the Son of Man. Jesus, in making himself one with poor and the worldly unwise — the "merest children" — is free to depend on the Father and receive all from his hand.

Those who "find life burdensome" are those who labor under the yoke of the law, expecting to find salvation in meticulous outward performance of detailed prescriptions. Often this gives rise to wearying inner tensions and anxieties because of unrealistic demands and expectations. Jesus’ poverty of spirit — the "yoke" of his teaching — cuts through legalistic entanglements and returns us to basic simplicity of outlook and life.

The Deuteronomy telling of the covenant was actually written about six hundred years after the event took place, and reflects the perspectives of the situation shortly before the Babylonian exile. God’s people had weakened and lost faith, were fragmented, and on the verge of destruction. In recalling the origins of the law to them (Deuteronomy means "second law"), the author relates Moses’ words in a way that emphasizes God’s free love in choosing to make them his nation — it was not any merit or glory of theirs. Yet this freely given love demands their acceptance and response, and the destruction that they are facing is the consequence of not having kept his commandments. Although God gives his love freely, we are partners in his plan to keep his love alive for all creation.

This psalm praises God’s overwhelming love and forgiveness toward those who turn to him. Response: "The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him."

Our love for one another is the only valid proof that God is with us. This is the conclusion of the simple wisdom of the Gospel. Intellectual arguments do not convince others of the truth of what we say; only our actions can do that. The work of the Spirit is not only within our heart individually, as though he were our own personal dynamo. The Spirit’s greatest work is making and solidifying the connections between us that make possible a community that puts love into practice.

1. What is the difference between Christ’s wisdom and worldly wisdom? How can a spirit of worldly wisdom infect even our religious attitudes?

2. Discuss how to prove to the world that God exists.