Daily Reflection on the Mass Readings

Jesus said, 'Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the 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, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's foes will be members of one's own household. 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 the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 'Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and 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.' Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.

Reflection

1. The first part of today’s Gospel is quite horrible to listen, isn’t it? Can I ask Jesus to accompany me in my prayer to find out what is my inordinate attachment pulling me away from following God.

2. Jesus invites me to start my charity with small things, such as giving a cup of cold water to one of the little ones. Is there anything that is within my ability and capability to serve others today? Pray God gives me the courage to put it into action.