READ
MT 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.
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UNDERSTAND
by Father Greg Friedman, OFM
Today’s reading from the Second Book of Kings may be unfamiliar to you. The prophet Elisha receives the hospitality of a wealthy couple. They provide him with a room in their home; the text even describes how it’s to be furnished!
Oddly enough, this story was a childhood favorite of mine, read from a children’s Bible I had back then. I remember being particularly impressed with that guest room. Since then, I’ve been a guest many times, and I’m still impressed—when people go out of their way to be hospitable.
Today’s Gospel stresses Christian hospitality, especially to the poor. But before encouraging that value, Jesus sets the bar really high: Our following of him must take priority over everything else in our lives. The context of Christian hospitality is self-sacrificing love, the love that leads to accepting one’s cross. In the second reading, Paul tells the Romans point-blank: We were baptized into Christ’s death.
A tough standard? And you thought simply making up the guest room was work! Being a Christian in Gospel terms is serious business indeed. Alone, we’d fail utterly in that task. But united around the Eucharistic table, we see that we’re not alone. Our faith tells us the sacred meal we share gives us the power to live our Baptism—even in the simple, yet impressive task of Christian hospitality.
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DISCUSS
by Father Dan Kroger, OFM
• Elisha is grateful to the woman who provided a place for him to eat and stay there. In the first reading (2Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a), what is the suggestion given to Elisha by his servant?
What promise does Elisha make to the very hospitable woman?
• In this week’s second reading (Rom 6:3-4, 8-11), Paul talks about baptism and its effects. He tells his readers that we are buried with Christ in his death at baptism. What does that mean for us?
Paul’s teaching is that we have died with Christ and so we shall live with him. Can you understand that we have died to sin and must live with Christ?
• This week’s Gospel (Mt 10:37-42), reminds us that we must take up our cross and follow Christ. But what does that mean to you? What cross or suffering must you accept?
Jesus also teaches us that when we do things for others we are really doing them for Christ. Can you give an example of how you helped someone, without realizing that you were really helping Christ?
ACT
by Susan Hines-Brigger
• There are many workers, such as those who deliver mail, collect garbage, or do various forms of outside maintenance. Gather up some bottles of cold water and ask your parent to help you offer them to these workers.
• Host a lemonade or drink stand in your neighborhood. Take any money you might collect and choose an organization to donate the money to.
