From time to time, the Sunday Gospels throw up a passage which is somewhat troubling to read. This is certainly true of this text from Jesus’ discourse on discipleship in Matthew. Surely Jesus is not setting up a choice between familial relationships and discipleship. Yet, as the preceding parts of this discourse indicate, the choice of discipleship will indeed divide families and during time of persecution family members may well turn on one another. Jesus is warning his followers that the path they are choosing is a difficult one. For the first time, in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus refers to the cross, a foreshadowing of his own fate and, indeed of some of those who followed him.
The second part of the passage, verses 40-42, sets an inclusive and universal tone. Anyone who welcomes … anyone who ‘gives so much as a cup of cold water’ (Mt 10:42) … will be rewarded. The promise of reward is for anyone and everyone, without distinction. Based on hospitality rather than heritage, creed or status. All who welcome the proclamation of God’s reign will be rewarded. This inclusive tone is reminiscent of Paul’s letter to the Galatians … ‘there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ (Gal 3:28). Both the Gospel text and the letter to the Galatians highlight the radically inclusive focus of Jesus’ message. An invitation without restriction and a community without distinction, proclaiming the love of God whatever the cost.
Gospel Text: Matthew 10:37-42
Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.
‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.
‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.
‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’
See
In this text, what do the comments of familial relationships highlight?
What do we understand from the idea of taking up a cross and following in the footsteps of Jesus?
What meaning do we take from the words ‘anyone who welcomes you, welcomes me’?
Judge
In what ways do the values of the Gospel lead to conflict and discrimination today?
What aspects of our modern societies work against the call to show hospitality?
What types of people may not feel welcome in our Church communities today?
Act
What sacrifices do I need to make in order to live in fidelity to the Gospel?
What actions can I take to show hospitality to others?
What can we change, in our Church communities, to ensure all feel welcome?
Image: https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/cYzn7haQAToADi866QiFU
Gospel Text https://www.universalis.com/Australia/1100/mass.htm
Further Reading:
Thank you for the insights and the challenging questions, Paul.