Gospel Reflection - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A


Matthew 10:37-42

Seek J.O.Y. --> Jesus - Others - Yourself

This Gospel sounds kind of harsh at first, doesn't it? We've always been taught to respect our elders & love our families, but here we have Jesus saying that whoever loves Mom, Dad, son, or daughter more is not worthy of Him. Some may even say that Jesus sounds selfish. I whole-heartedly disagree. 

Reading today's Gospel, I was reminded of the acronym above. By putting Jesus first in our lives & following the path He has set for us, we become like Him. All our thoughts, words, & deeds become a reflection of His working within our lives. Once we align our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him, we begin to treat others with love, respect, & compassion, placing their needs above our own. In doing so, we live in a sacrificial way that inspires others to want to follow Him.

This echoes the words I pray each time I receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. 

"Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Your Body, Blood, Soul, & Divinity! Please empty me of the sins which pull me away from you - selfishness, pride, anger, bitterness, resentfulness, & judgment. Empty me so that I may be filled with Your love, mercy, peace, grace, & wisdom. Fill me to overfilling so that all I do, say, & think may be pleasing to You & an inspiration to others. Amen."  

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