MATTHEW 10: 34-11: 1 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (JULY 13, 2020)
Do not think that I have come to establish peace on earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set man against his Father, and a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in – law. Each one will have as enemies, those of one’s own family.
Whoever loves more than Father and 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 is cross and follow me, is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life, for my sake, will find it.
Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes who sent me. The one who welcomes a prophet, as a prophet, will receive the reward of a prophet; the one who welcomes a just man,because he is just man, will receive a reward of just man. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to the one of these little ones, because he is my disciple, I assure you, he will not go unrewarded,” When Jesus had finish giving His twelve disciples these instructions, he went on from there, to teach and to proclaim his message in their towns.
POINTS OF REFLECTION
Life is really a set of complicated things that oftentimes lead us into the wrong priorities. Perhaps life could be ordered in these priorities; God, self and family (closest neighbor), community.
What is really ironic in this order of priorities is the twist that could happen anytime in the circumstance of life. Let’s say, an important gathering in the Christian community which runs counter to the birthday celebration of your father, mother or any member of the family which opted you to choose in between the works of God and the family affairs. When you decide according to the herein stated priorities then, you will not be attending the family celebration instead proclaim the gospel of God in the community gathering. Though you pick a good choice, you could not deny the tendencies of indifference from your family. Grudges may craft up and relationships at home may not be as good as it was. That is why Jesus said“I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” We know that the ways of God are not the same as the ways of man. Meaning giving in always to the demands of our family seeking favor against the works of evangelization would somehow make us unworthy unto Jesus.
On the other side, this does not mean leaving our family unattended but encouraging them to join religious activities by accepting Jesus as our leading figure to attain the kingdom of God on the final day. In fact Jesus said “ pick up your cross and follow me.” Knowing one’s cross is important to follow God’s ways. Who knows, your own family might be the cross for you to carry.
Finally let us acknowledge that our relationship to God is very important and worth more than anything in this world. And remember that in the process of fixing this relationship unto Him we need to carry our cross as Jesus carried his to save us all.
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Doctor in Development Education ( Dev. Ed. D.), an all time educator as School Head and HEI Instructor.
