Gospel – Matthew 10:37-42
Jesus said to his apostles:
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,
and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and whoever does not take up his cross
and follow after me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
“Whoever receives you receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet
will receive a prophet’s reward,
and whoever receives a righteous man
because he is a righteous man
will receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whoever gives only a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones to drink
because the little one is a disciple—
amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”
Reflection on the Gospel
Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.
The good news in this gospel is that a reward is promised to those who take up the cross and follow Jesus.
The challenge is to live life and wait for this reward.
This is a struggle for people who live in a society that wants instant gratification.
To lose one’s life for the sake of Jesus is a huge challenge.
Fortunately, Jesus gives us the way: receive everyone as I would Jesus himself and give a cup of water to little ones to drink.
Am I up to this?
Saint John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts – Forever.