Sunday Reflections

The life of a true Christian is not easy, but the rewards are beyond our imaginations.

Today’s readings encourage everyone, from every walk of life, to talk up our crosses and become disciples of Jesus, and in living this life of faith, secure for ourselves eternal life.  In the Second Book of Kings we hear about the wealthy woman and her husband, who built a place for Elisha to stay whenever he passed through their town. Since the scriptures tell us that the woman was wealthy, we can surmise that building a room for Elisha was perhaps not financially challenging for her.  However, it still takes courage and deep faith that Elisha was indeed a holy man, to welcome him into their lives in this way.  As a reward, the woman and her husband were blessed with a son!

Matthew’s Gospel tells us that “whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”  We go from building a room for a prophet, to simply giving a glass of water to a disciple, and yet both are promised new life. 

I think the main point the Church is trying to make with today’s selection of readings, is that each one of us is called to do whatever we can, with whatever resources we have, to live as disciples of Jesus and support others who do the same.  Jesus says that if we do not take up our crosses and follow him, we are not worthy of him.  If we do not love him above all else, even more than we love our families, then we are not worthy.  The love we have for our families is born out of the love God has for us and we have for him; it is a reflection of that great love between God and his Creatures. 

Romans reminds us that we, as Christians, have been baptized into Jesus’ death, and, therefore, we have also been raised with Jesus to newness of life.  This is our reward for accepting God’s love, bestowed on us in Baptism, and living our lives according to our faith in God’s love.  Although we take up our crosses in life, although we sacrifice to be able to support other disciples along the way, we know that our reward is eternal life in heaven. 

Let us pray that we have the courage to take up our crosses and embrace the Resurrection:

“O Risen Lord, the way, the truth and the life, make us faithful followers of the spirit of your resurrection. Grant that we may be inwardly renewed, dying to ourselves in order that you may live in us. May our lives serve as signs of the transforming power of your love. Use us as your instruments for the renewal of society, bringing your life and love to all and leading them to your Church. This we ask of you, Lord Jesus, living and reigning with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever.  Amen”

~ Resurrection Prayer