July 16, 2018

Gospel: Mt 10:34—11:1
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 a 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 father or 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 his 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 him 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 a just man, will receive the reward of a just man. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, because he is my disciple, I assure you, he will not go unrewarded.” When Jesus had finished giving his twelve disciples these instructions, he went on from there, to teach and to proclaim his message in their towns.

Reflections
Whoever loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me Jesus encourages harmony within the family. His perplexing harsh words about enmity among family members underscores the urgency of proclaiming and committing oneself to the Kingdom of God, which takes precedence over other values and responsibilities. We, Filipinos, have a distorted sense of loyalty to the family. We coddle family members who are drug pushers or corrupt politicians. We are mute against their philandering or illegal business practices. We tacitly tolerate their sinful behaviors. Jesus challenges us to choose between speaking for the values of the Kingdom or silently supporting the vices of our family.

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