Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A
Whoever Receives You Receives Me
v 2 Kgs 4:8-11,
14-16a
v Ps 89:2-3, 16-19
v Rom 6:3-4, 8-11
v Matt 10:37-42
In
today’s Gospel, Christs reminds his apostles, whom he sent on a mission, that
whoever receives them receives him. The blessing that comes with treating one
another well seems to be a highlight of today’s Bible readings. And this is
more urgent in this environment of global pandemic and uncertainties.
In the
first reading (2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a) we read the story of Elisha. Each time
God’s prophet passed through Shunem, a woman generously received him into her
home. This influential woman and her husband, whose names we aren’t given, were
barren. They had no children, but they had compassion, mercy, kindness, and
hospitable hearts toward Elisha. They received a reward for their hospitality
in the form of a child. What do we lack in life? What do we have in life? How
often do we share what we have with our neighbors, knowing that God has a way
of rewarding and blessing those who are sincerely generous to every person who
comes their way?
In a
way, generosity is a form of sacrifice. It is a form of taking up our crosses
and following Christ. It is a form of dying with Christ, living out our
baptismal promises, and being buried with Christ, which Saint Paul talks about
in the second reading (Rom 6:3-4, 8-11). In baptism we become part of a family
that loves, shares, converses, and forgives each other as a loving family would
do. By doing this, by imitating Christ, by welcoming every person, Jew or
Gentile, we are living the newness of life.
The
call to this newness of life blossoms in today’s Gospel reading (Matt
10:37-42). In Matthew’s Gospel, Christ invites us not only to be generous like
the family of Shunem, but to take up our crosses in many other ways and follow
him. We can do this through corporal and spiritual works of mercy, praying for
one another, sharing our bread with the poor, visiting those in prison, or
sharing our cup of cold water with the thirsty and needy.
Let us
pray at this Mass that we may daily imitate Christ in acts of charity, as did
the family in Shunem, who constantly welcome the Prophet Elisha.
Reflection
Questions:
1. Can
you think of any moments when you have acted like the woman and man of Shunem,
especially in this time of pandemic?
2.
What are your needs?
3. Do
you present your needs to the Lord through your kindness and generosity toward
your neighbors?
4.
What are your crosses, and how do you handle them especially in this time of
pandemic?
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