TO BE MERCIFUL AND COMPASSIONATE COUPLED WITH IS FOLLOWING CHRIST.

 Sunday, July 2, 2023


Thirteenth Sunday of the Year A


First Reading. 2 Kings 4: 8-11, 14-16

Psalm. 89: 2-3,16-17, 18-19 (R .cf. 2a)

Second Reading. Romans 6: 3-4, 8-11

Gospel. Matthew 10: 37-42


TOPIC FOR REFLECTION


HOW PREPARED ARE WE TO FOLLOW JESUS?


My dear, to follow Jesus demands great lots of sacrifices. Christianity's way of life is not based on life without suffering that demands sacrifices. 


As Christians, Christ is our leader, and whatever happened to Christ, must if not in the double fold, happen to us.


Of truth, we are all aware that Christianity was termed a rebellious religion simply because it opposes the evil acts of that time. I guess you are aware that, once you stop people from carrying out any evil action, you must suffer for it and that is what Christianity stands for. 


Christianity among all virtues stands for MERCY and JUSTICE, and anybody who wants to stand for MERCY and JUSTICE must be prepared to face opposition. It is in facing opposition that sacrifice and suffering come in.


So, the demands of being a Christian are far too enormous. The sacrifice is great, but Jesus had already assured us that salvation awaits all those who persevere to the end.


Now, let me ask you, will you prefer to be a Christian or a non-Christian? 

Remember that a faithful Christian has the reward of eternal life, while a non-Christian may perish in hell if he lacks MERCY and JUSTICE. Although, hell awaits a Christian who does not live a good Christian life.


Therefore, according to the second reading of today, St. Paul reminds us to be good followers of Christ; at baptism, we were buried with Him in our sinful nature, while we rose with Him from the grave to become a new creature. He conquered sin and death, and at baptism, our sins were washed away, while He rose never to die again, just as a new creature, we are expected not to sin again.


It is on this note that Jesus said to his apostles, 

***He who loves father or mother, son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

---Meaning: attachment to family as an excuse that will not allow us to show mercy and justice to others, is not worthy of following Jesus. Remember, Jesus and the apostles' family never disturb their ministry, and today we benefited from their sacrifices. 


***He who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.

---Meaning: attachment to self-importance and not ready to sacrifice nor persevere for the sake of Christ is not worthy of Him.

Wait, will you call someone your friend who can not sacrifice a dine for you?


***He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. He who receives a prophet, because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.

---Meaning: today's first reading is the direct meaning of this portion of the Gospel. A wealthy woman who lived in Shumen, though barren, but unknown to her showed mercy and compassion full of hospitality to prophet Elisha, and the prophet promised her a child.


Therefore, among all the difficult tasks, as Christians, let us learn to be merciful and charitable to people. It attracts God's blessings and salvation. 


Peace ✌️ be with you


Rev. Fr. Segun Oladeji, CRS.

P

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