Thirteenth Sunday of the year July 02, 2023
2 Kings 4, 8-11 14-16; Romans 6, 3-4 8-11; Matthew 10 37-42
In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches those whom he is sending
out as messengers of the gospel that they must be driven by the love they bear
for him, and sustained by the love they receive from others. In other words,
preaching the gospel is not just a question of being a channel of God’s love,
for a channel flows only in one direction. It is more like being an electrical
conduit which receives current only to give it out, and gives out current only
to receive again. Jesus tells us that it is a question of loving and being
loved, of giving and receiving. All of today’s readings remind us that we
become fully alive through the generous giving of ourselves.
In the first reading the wealthy and pious woman did nothing
remarkable in offering hospitality to Prophet Elisha when he occasionally
passed that way. A piece of floor space, a mat, some food and friendship she
offered and later asked her husband to build a little hut for the prophet on
the roof of the house. In Biblical times hospitality was considered an
important virtue. This was especially true when extended to someone doing God’s
work. The reverence was extended to the office and not necessarily to the person.
The woman’s kindness in making special arrangement to the Prophet was in
reality kindness to God. The prophet
felt the need of rewarding her for her generosity she now receives a reward
beyond all proportions. She was longing
to have a son and in the name of God, the prophet promises the reward she
wishes to have.
Today's Gospel is the conclusion of the instructions and
consolations that we have heard Jesus offering to his disciples during the past
few weeks. In this passage, Jesus summarizes both the costs of discipleship and
its rewards. A disciple is one who knows his master well, has fully understood
his life and now puts it into practice.
This disciple gives his whole hearted submission and puts into practice
the word of his master. Here again our
understanding of the Gospel is strengthened by considering the context in which
it was written and the perspective of Matthew's audience. The conditions of discipleship outlined in
Matthew's Gospel may appear harsh. Yet they underline for us a truth—choosing anything
with one's whole heart has consequences.
Today's Gospel also highlights for us the importance of
hospitality in the Christian life. To welcome another in Jesus' name is to
extend hospitality to Jesus himself.
Jesus will surely reward the person for this generous act. We have many
opportunities in our daily life to reach out to others, to be a welcoming
presence and a sign of God's love. In the Christian era all those who cooperate
even in a little way, will also be rewarded. The reward may not come to them in
this life, but if not it will be all the greater; it will be in the next life.
Today as we carry the message home, let us remember our
Lord’s words to us: he who receives or gives hospitality and help to a prophet
will have the reward of a prophet. He who helps those who are preaching and
teaching the message of salvation, the good news of Christ, at home or abroad,
will himself share the reward of these preachers and teachers.
Happy Sunday
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