Earlier in the 10th chapter of Matthew, Jesus is teaching about the commitments we make in family relationships in contrast to the commitment we are willing to make to Jesus.
Jesus is asking that the quality of our love for him should be at least of the same depth and intensity as the quality of our love and commitment for those dearest to us. We will make sacrifices for them. Will we make sacrifices for Christ? We will give of our time to them. Will we give time to Christ? We will do anything in order to strengthen and nourish relationships with those closest to us. Will we do at least the same for our relationship with Christ? Just as we are the only ones who can make these decisions about our human relationships, so only we can decide about the quality and depth of our relationship with Christ.
Finally, in the last verse of today’s gospel reading(Matthew 10:42), Jesus once again implies that the ultimate measuring tool for our Christian faith is through our actions. Loving Christ is not some sentimental concept. Love is obedience to God in Christ. Love is a deed done for another. Love is that reaching out in love and concern for the other.
“Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple - truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
Peace,
Fr. Bob+
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