The WORD in other words (2017) by Father Bernard Espiritu SVD – New Zealand
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time – A
Everyone has an opportunity to entrust oneself fully to another. A patient entrusts his life to the surgeon’s hands. Parents entrust their child to a teacher on the first day of school. A daring soul entrusts himself to the strength of an elastic rope when bungee jumping. This total entrustment is the invitation of Jesus in today’s Gospel.
There are two audiences in the Gospel. First, the disciples: they are invited to trust Jesus above all else — even above father, mother, children, and self. Second, those who welcome the disciples: their hospitality becomes a channel of grace.
To be faithful to Jesus means also being faithful to oneself. Jesus emphasized this truth when He said: “Take up your cross and follow me” (Matthew 10:38). To take up one’s cross is to embrace life responsibly, with its joys and burdens, and to keep the right focus: journeying with Him. Jesus is both the companion and the way (cf. John 14:6).
Equally important is the hospitality offered to missionary disciples. Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, speaks of missionary disciples — disciples who become heralds of Christ. A disciple’s true value is fulfilled when others see through him the voice, face, and hand of the Master. Whoever welcomes such a disciple welcomes Christ Himself (cf. Matthew 10:40–42).
The Eucharist strengthens us for this mission. Catholics rely not only on the power of the Word but also on the grace of the Sacrament. After hearing the Word proclaimed, we celebrate the Eucharist — the source and summit of Christian life — which empowers us to live joyfully as faithful disciples and ambassadors of Christ.
Reflection:
- Faithful discipleship: Am I entrusting myself fully to Jesus?
- Carrying the cross: Do I embrace both the joys and burdens of life responsibly?
- Missionary witness: Am I bringing others to God through my daily life?
