The Gospel of Matthew 10:40-42
Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 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; 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.”
Let us Pray The collect for Sunday: Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. This week’s gospel is definitely a fitting lesson for us today. The gospel writers had such insight into man’s behavior that what they wrote is so applicable to our society today. It is all about understanding each other and doing what would be considered an act of welcoming. Jesus reveals that every act of welcome, no matter how small, becomes participation in God’s own. All, too often today instead of acts of welcome we show acts of hostility, especially to those we perceive different then us. Look around in a crowded store or at sporting event. What do you see, more smiles and happy faces or frown and anxious people? As a refresher people need to reread this Gospel lesson occasionally. Be out there, welcome your neighbors welcome the strangers in the grocery line, the cost is a little time, but the rewards are great. As we look at the life of Jesus, (except for last week’s gospel) What things do you think you could do that Jesus did? Remember the dignity of the Small Act, It could be as simple as saying good morning to a person you meet while out, or it could be helping at a food bank, or being present and listening to someone who has a need to just feel someone is listening. This overturns our instinct to measure holiness by scale or spectacle. In the kingdom of God, faithfulness outweighs impressiveness. When Jesus sent His disciples out with the assurance that they would not be alone. As we go out we are not alone, besides having the Holy Spirit with us, we have those who support us, people like our neighbors, people in our communities, work places and our churches. The mission to spread the Good news depends on the generosity and support of others. And those who support them share in the reward. This is a reminder that the work of the Gospel is never a solo performance, it is a shared calling. This passage invites you to see Christ in the people who cross your path: especially the overlooked, the tired, the ones who bring no advantage but carry the image of God. Your quiet acts of kindness, such as encouraging a friend, offering a listening ear, giving time to someone who needs it, will not be lost in the vastness of the world. They are seen, they are honored. they participate in God’s healing of creation. Remember Jesus’ disciples must rely on others. Sometimes the holiest act is allowing yourself to be welcomed, supported, or cared for. Which right now I deeply appreciate. Being bedridden it is a special feeling to have friends and family visit and share some of their time with me. Those acts are acting as disciples of Christ and coming forward to provide just a little bit of encouragement and fellowship. Receiving grace is part of the Gospel too.
Let us Pray: Gracious Lord, Teach me to welcome others as I would welcome You. Open my eyes to see Your presence in the ordinary, Your image in the vulnerable, Your grace in every small act of kindness. Make my heart a place of hospitality, my hands a source of blessing, and my life a witness to Your generous love. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 