Hello, and welcome. Whether you are a regular listener or joining for the first time, I am grateful that you are here.
My name is Peter Doherty. I am a Catholic priest and psychologist with a particular interest in the relationship between psychology and spirituality. Although these two fields have at times regarded one another with suspicion, they are, in reality, deeply complementary. Sound psychological insight can strengthen spiritual life, while authentic spirituality—grounded in psychological well-being—can deepen meaning, resilience, and daily functioning.
This podcast offers a reflection on the Gospel reading for the coming week. It is intended as a resource for those preparing homilies, as well as for anyone who teaches, studies, or simply wishes to engage more deeply with Scripture. Drawing on psychological research, biblical scholarship, and anthropological perspectives, I aim to make the Gospel both accessible and relevant. I also approach Scripture as a guide for faith and human development, recognizing that the biblical authors wrote within a worldview different from our own, offering rich insights into identity, suffering, and hope.
Today’s reflection is based on Matthew 11:25–30.
This passage is distinctive in that Matthew presents Jesus offering a prayer of thanksgiving. Jesus praises the Father because understanding has been revealed to the “little ones”—those without status or power—while remaining hidden from those who might be expected to possess knowledge. The message is clear: true knowledge of God is not achieved solely through human effort or intellectual attainment, but is ultimately received through relationship with Christ.
There is a familiar saying: “Even a broken clock is right twice a day.” In a similar way, Jesus invites us to recognize that truth is not the exclusive domain of the educated or the accomplished. Wisdom can emerge from unexpected places. This calls for a posture of openness—an essential quality for both spiritual and psychological growth.
In my work as a psychologist, I often encounter individuals who remain stuck not because of a lack of intelligence, but because of how they interpret their situation. A shift in perspective can open the door to new possibilities and solutions. I have known individuals without formal education who possess deep wisdom born of life experience. Conversely, I have encountered highly educated individuals whose perspectives remain surprisingly narrow. Intelligence and wisdom often overlap, but they are not the same.
It is also important that Jesus emphasizes that it is God who reveals truth. It is not something we can claim or construct on our own. This brings to mind the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1–9. While often remembered as the origin of multiple languages, the deeper theme is humanity’s attempt to reach God through its own efforts. In contrast, Scripture consistently presents God as the one who initiates revelation, choosing to disclose truth according to divine wisdom rather than human status.
This Gospel, therefore, calls us to humility. Humility is not simply a desirable trait but an essential condition for spiritual growth. To be humble is to be teachable. As Pope Francis has said, “Humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak, but of the strong.” Humility enables us to see clearly—to recognize our limitations, our need for God, and the depth of what we still have to learn.
From a psychological perspective, humility is associated with numerous benefits. Research shows that humble individuals tend to experience greater well-being, higher self-efficacy, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. They are more open, conscientious, and emotionally stable. Humility supports better problem-solving, strengthens relationships, fosters trust, and reduces conflict. It also serves as a powerful counterbalance to narcissism, which remains a significant challenge in contemporary culture. For those interested, I recommend the study “Humility, Personality, and Psychological Functioning” by Lisa T. Ross and Jennifer C. Wright.
The Gospel then turns to one of the most well-known invitations in Scripture: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” At first glance, it is not entirely clear how this rest is given. Many of us measure our worth by what we accomplish, accumulate, or produce. It is worth asking how much of our busyness serves as a distraction from aspects of ourselves we would rather avoid.
Here again, Jesus offers a different perspective—one that is life-giving. We are invited to release what distracts us from what truly matters. This requires clarity about the difference between what we need and what we want. There is nothing inherently wrong with our desires; the difficulty arises when they obscure our awareness of what is essential.
Practices such as reflection, spiritual direction, and self-denial can help us remain grounded. While they may initially feel demanding, they often lead to greater freedom rather than restriction.
Thank you for joining me today. If you find this podcast helpful, I invite you to listen each week. I also welcome your questions and reflections, and I encourage you to share this podcast with others who may benefit. If you are listening on YouTube, you can support this work by subscribing and leaving a review. I would also be interested to know where you are listening from.
Next Sunday, July 12, 2026, we will reflect on Matthew 13:1–23, where Jesus explores how faith can be hindered by the cares of the world and by spiritual shallowness, while also offering insight into the nature and gift of faith.
New episodes are released every Sunday, focusing on the upcoming Gospel. Special thanks to Heather Patel Doherty and Richard Coulombe for their continued support.
May God bless you.
