Welcoming Christ In Others

Readings: 1^st: 2 Kg 4, 8-11. 14-16; Ps: 88; 2^nd: Rom 6, 3-4.8-11; Gos: Mt 10, 37-42

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. He was the chancellor of the Diocese of Fajardo Humacao, Puerto Rico. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

On this thirteenth Sunday, the Church urges us to welcome Christ in others. This is mainly through the messengers of God among us. She equally encourages us to be sensitive to the need of one another to make a positive difference in their lives.

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In the first reading of this Sunday, the generosity of the Shunem couple towards Elisha brought them the blessing and joy of their life. There is much to be learned from this reading. They were sensitive to the plight and immediate need of the man of God. Little did they know that this was the beginning of their blessing. Hence, through this act of generosity, hospitality, and sensitivity, things turned around for their good. Their desire of the ages was fulfilled.

On the other hand, Elisha was equally concerned and sensitive to the needs of this Shunem couple. So, rather than overburden them with more requests or exploit their generosity, he prayed for them and blessed them through his prophetic ministry. Thus, his presence was a blessing to this house rather than a burden. It suffices to note that the name of Elisa means: “God saves.” Precisely, this is what his action affirmed.

In the second reading, Paul recounts how Christ offered us new life through baptism. He came and offered himself as a ransom, not for his own sake but for our salvation. By accepting him through our baptism, we have become one with him in death and life. Also, by welcoming Christ, we have received a share in his glorious life and are no longer slaves to sin and death. This same Christ lives in others. So, we must equally welcome him in others, including in the least of our brethren.

In today’s gospel, Christ spoke clearly about the need to welcome others for His sake. This is especially, those who bear the good news of salvation. We could attract God’s blessings to our home and family through generosity and hospitality, like the Shunem family in our first reading. Through these, our lives and fortunes could be transformed as well.

Unfortunately, these days, we take many things for granted. Some of us are so indifferent to others and their needs. This includes indifference to the presence of God’s “genuine messengers” among us. This is because many self-proclaimed and false men of God flood our society with false messages. That is, to the extent that one could hardly differentiate between a genuine and a false preacher.

It could also be that we have become so used to one another, and of course, to men of God, that they have become so ordinary to us. Most importantly and sadly though, it could be that “some so-called men of God,” as well as some people of God, have lost the sense of the sacred.

Finally, it is important to ask ourselves these important questions. Do we still value the presence of others? Are we sensitive to their needs? Is our presence a blessing to the people we meet or that meet us? Does it make any difference, or is it an added burden to their life? What good do I bring to the life of others?  

Peace be with you!

Maranatha