June: The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

               This Week's Letter From Father

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

July 5, 2026
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
Yesterday we celebrated the 250th birthday of the United States of America. Hope you cherished special moments with your loved ones. Today is even more exciting, as we celebrate the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, which also happens to be my birthday . Cheers to joy and new beginnings.
 
In our Gospel reading, taken from Matthew 11:25-30, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your soul will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.”
 
What does Jesus mean by a burdensome and heavy yoke? He refers to the petty religious laws, rules, rituals, and customs that people often feel obligated to follow, which can make them tiresome to uphold. The Halacha of the Pharisees consisted of countless minor law’s that they imposed on others, creating a burdensome yoke.
 
When we simplify religion to just the law, we create a burden that is impossible to bear, as the law obscures what is truly important. When we focus solely on the law in religion, we can unintentionally create a heavy burden that distracts us from the true essence of our faith.
 
Jesus rejects this mentality, which enslaves people’s hearts and minds to the letter of the law, lacking love, compassion, empathy, and common sense. As Catholics, we must reject fundamentalist thinking that leads people to worship laws, rituals, customs, and at times, even religious figures.
 
Some fundamentalist Christians in our country have a tendency to look up to political leaders in a way that resembles worship. This is a form of idolatrous blasphemy which many find concerning.
 
When we explore the differences between Jewish halakha and Jesus’ teachings, we find that Jesus emphasizes love for God, our neighbors, and even strangers because neighbors and strangers are our brothers and sisters, children of the same God. This focus on core principles offers us a beautiful and accessible way to connect. However, the challenge lies in the limitless call to love everyone. Ultimately, it’s the spirit of these teachings that truly resonates with us, highlighting the importance of compassion and empathy over rigid rules.
 
Jesus teaches that following him involves challenges and requires us to carry our crosses. However, life brings difficulties to everyone, regardless of their faith or lack of it. Embracing Jesus daily lightens our burdens, fills us with hope, making our daily lives brighter and more fulfilling.
 
Jesus reminds us, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.” We should be lifelong learners. Our faith is a beautiful and free gift from God. Let us joyfully and eagerly accept this gift, allowing it to uplift and inspire us on our spiritual journey to heaven.
 
With prayers and blessings,

Fr. Ryszard

Welcome Message

Greetings in Christ Jesus!

Whether you are just visiting for a short while, have moved here and are joining our parish, or are returning to your Catholic Faith, on behalf of our parish community, we welcome you to St. Egbert Catholic Church and the beautiful Crystal Coast of North Carolina.

When Jesus was asked which of all the commandments was the greatest, he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the great, and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” These two Commandments form the foundation of our mission to Love God, Love Neighbor, and to Share the Good News.