Matthew 10:40-42
40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and 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.”
"Gaining Your Reward”
It’s brief, but our Gospel for this Sunday is very significant. It reveals many realities that deserve our attention, reflection and action.
The Body of Christ is represented by those who are commissioned and empowered to preach the Kingdom, and the faithful who believe and receive the trust of faith.
Together, with our sisters and brothers who continue to use our blog as an invitation to get closer to Christ, we say with St. Paul, "It is Christ who lives in me" Galatians 2:20. We share in His mission. I hope you can feel His love and encouragement to be an instrument of His presence. Our ways of life can shine as a light so that people may glorify "Our Father who is in heaven" Matthew 5:16.
As we respond to Jesus in His mission through the Church, we are invited to share with the "workers sent to the field." All we do, even the minor contributions we offer to sustain the proclamation of the Kingdom, will be recorded and rewarded. Jesus is faithful to His promise, "Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of those little ones in the name of a disciple...none of these will lose their reward" Matthew 10:42.
It is important to pay attention to the quality of our contributions. It seems that Jesus experienced warm weather and He speaks not only about water, but cold water. Quality is important in Jesus' thoughts and teaching.
Today's Gospel reminds us of our membership in Jesus' Kingdom and of His plan of salvation. He bestows grace upon each of His Church members. He will aid our voluntary contributions to share responsibility in His mission according to our capacity.
Support the Church mission as a full member, freely and joyfully. "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, and God is able to bless you abundantly" 2 Corinthians 9:7-8.
Whatever we give, it is to Jesus that we give it. "Truly I tell you, whatever you do for one of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do it for me" Matthew 25:40. What kind of reward, how much, when and how could that reward happen? The One who promised knows better so we can trust Him.