Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
II Kgs 4.8-11, 14-16;
Ps 88;
Rom 6.3-4, 8-11;
Mt 10.37-42
SEEKING AND LOVING THE ULTIMATE GOOD
1. Occasionally, the gospel offers us brief, impactful statements about what it means to follow God-the ultimate good , and today’s gospel presents a collection of such sayings. All these statements focus on the attitudes that followers of Christ should have. The gospel starts with one of the more challenging sayings: “Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me.” There are many examples in the gospels where Jesus calls people to leave their families behind to follow Him. He understood the natural desire His listeners had to stay close to loved ones in familiar surroundings, but He made it clear that to enter the kingdom of heaven, they would need to leave that security behind. It’s not just about children leaving their parents; the call extends to “Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me.”
2. The Church encourages us to practice daily self-examination—to review our day and recognize where we have fallen short or missed opportunities God gave us. Occasionally, especially during retreats or days of recollection, it’s helpful to step back and conduct a deeper review of our lives. In modern terms, we might call this an appraisal or evaluation, preferably done with the guidance of a wise spiritual mentor. When we do this, we face fundamental questions about what truly matters in our lives. Many might instinctively say, “My children,” “My spouse,” or “My friends.” That’s one step higher than answering with material things like “my wealth” or “my new car.” However, today’s gospel makes it clear that even these seemingly noble answers—those that include our loved ones—are not enough. Our Lord emphasizes that He must come first.
3. So, why is this so crucial? The key lies in the eternal perspective of our destiny. God told the prophet, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” He is the origin of our being and our purpose. All our human relationships and pursuits should be understood within the context of our eternal calling. Our earthly life may last around seventy years, as the psalm says, but our true life is meant to be with God forever. Therefore, the main goal of this life is to prepare ourselves to accept God’s invitation to eternity. Jesus reminds us, “Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” There will come a time, at our death, when we must make a definitive act of faith, surrendering our lives into God’s hands. This may mean letting go of human ties and attachments. We hope to be reunited with loved ones in paradise, but how this will happen remains a mystery known only to God. What we must cling to is Saint Paul’s affirmation: “Having died with Christ, we shall live with Him again.”
4. The thought of saying “goodbye” can be unsettling. The word often brings to mind stations and airports, feelings of separation, and memories of loss or death. Images of leaving our home or watching our children go can still bring pain. However, these experiences are natural parts of life and often help us develop a deeper maturity in relationships. Part of our training for heaven involves cultivating a sense of spiritual detachment—even from those we love most. This doesn’t mean loving them any less but learning to see our relationships within the framework of our eternal vocation. When we ask what matters most in life, the answer should be—God.
5. The second part of today’s gospel offers short sayings about fostering a spiritual attitude. “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me”—Jesus reminds us that we can see Him in others. When we show kindness to someone, we’re also responding to Him. If the disciples are welcomed, it’s a sign that Jesus Himself is being received, bringing the kingdom of God closer. Even simple acts like giving a cold drink to someone in need can help bring the kingdom nearer. In practical terms, preparing for the kingdom isn’t just about self-reflection and inner growth; it also involves everyday acts of kindness.
6. The Gospel includes the statement: “Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.” Today’s Old Testament reading pairs with this saying. It describes how the prophet Elisha, Elijah’s successor, often made long journeys. We hear how a woman, noticing Elisha frequently passing by her house, saw his holiness and offered hospitality—building a small room for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp, so he could rest whenever he visited. Her act of kindness was rewarded; within a year, she was promised a son. This story highlights how a simple act of welcome and kindness can lead to great blessings. Jesus may have had this story in mind when He spoke of welcoming prophets.
7. Today’s readings remind us to make the most of every opportunity to deepen our spiritual life. We should use normal moments to grow closer to God. When we feel overly dependent on another person, we should turn that dependence into trust in God. When we have chances to show hospitality or offer comfort, we should seize them, remembering that in doing so, we are serving Christ.
Comments
Post a Comment