13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16

Psalm 88 (89)

Romans 6:3-4,8-11

Matthew 10:37-42

BLESSED FOR A CUP OF WATER

Barbara De Angelis once said: “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them; and they bless you, the giver.” Thus, Jesus’ teaching that anyone who welcomes a prophet, a just man or a disciple will not go unrewarded, is reflected by the hospitality offered to the prophet Elisha by the Shunemite woman and its consequent reward. Indeed, anyone who shows love, care and concern to another, little it may be, does so to the Lord (Matt. 25:40); and God will not be so unjust as to forget a good deed done. 

It is important therefore to reconsider how we lead our lives as Christians, for through baptism, we have been called to a newness of live in Christ (Rom. 6:3-4,8-11). And this newness of life has its own requirements and demands: service to others, detachment from many things, including one’s family relations, for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. In other words, commitment to Christ takes precedence over everything else, as he tells us in today’s gospel.

Equally important is the way we relate with those who preach the Word of God to us. For instance, the way we relate to our priests. Do we see them as men of God? Do we accept them as we would accept Jesus himself since they are his representatives among us? What about those who do us good, or sacrifice their time, talents, resources and energy in various ways to lead us in prayer and liturgical celebrations, instruct us in the faith? Do we show respect to our catechists or our leaders? Do we strive to make things easier for them like the Shunemite woman or we try to make life more difficult for them?

Moreover, as priests and leaders, how do we treat our catechists, Mass servers, choir masters, and all those who help us in diverse ways? Do we often take them for granted and take advantage of them or we show concern for their wellbeing? Do we pray for them? Let us all remember, any good deed done with a good heart will not go unnoticed by God. Like the prophet Elisha, let us learn to seek the good of those who help us and ask God to bless them. May God bless and keep all of us! Amen.