‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water …’
This Sunday’s readings reveal the demands and choices Jesus’s disciples have to make as they share in his new life and carry on his mission.
The Gospel continues Jesus’s teaching on the mission of his disciples. Here we see the cost – but also the generous rewards.
In addition, those who welcome the missionary also welcome Jesus himself.
The story in the First Reading illustrates this teaching. God rewards the childless couple who welcome the prophet Elisha into their home with the gift of a child.
The Psalm expresses the joy of the disciple whose faith is not in rules, but in the loving presence of their Lord and leader, and who walks in his light.
St Paul in his letter to the Romans (Second Reading) reminds us that through our baptism we now live a ‘new life’ in the Risen Christ. It is through life in Christ Jesus that disciples can live the demands of mission.
This week, we pray for the grace to follow Christ even more closely, and welcome him in others.
