13th Sunday of Ordinary Times
The Glass of Water Given to the Prophet
Readings for:13th Sunday of Ordinary Times, Year A
Reading 1 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
Psalm Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
Reading 2 Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Gospel Matthew 10:37-42
REFLECTIONS:… from Father Daniel
The theme of this Sunday is: The Glass of Water Given to the Prophet. The first reading and the second part of the Gospel of today tell us about a problem which is our attitude towards those who devote their lives to the proclamation of salvation. The second reading could be seen under this light too since it speaks of entry into the new life of baptism. This sacrament demands generosity towards those who have pledged their lives to the Gospel.
Welcoming a stranger is difficult. Sometimes even welcoming friends is a challenge. Jesus said whoever receives you receives me and whoever receives me the one who sent me. The Apostles were Jesus’ agents or representatives when they were sent out, and precisely, Jesus is talking about open-hearted hospitality extended to his disciples as ministers of the Gospel. Jesus knew about hospitality and he knew about being sent away unwelcome. He ate in many homes, and he was driven away from more than one place. Jesus wants us to make room for Him and for holy people. We have a choice to welcome or to drive away, to open our hearts or to close them. In our welcoming one another, we welcome Jesus, who won for us the victory over sin and death. IF we open our hearts, like the Shunemmite woman who went beyond mere hospitality to add a room to her house for the prophet Elisha, we “will not want for reward.” This shows us why the Church exists, why we must listen to what the Church teaches. The Church is God’s agent established by Christ to teach us and guide us. Pope Leo XIV said, “ The Church is ‘mother and teacher’ not by supremacy, but through service:she accompanies the growth of freedom, taking on the mission of the Divine Master so that everyone ‘may have life, and have it abundantly.’” Please, help people, even when you know they can’t help you back.
