GROW AS A DISCIPLE
In today’s Gospel, Christ tells the Apostles of the rewards given to those who welcome his disciples. He reminds us that God sees and values any support offered to those whom he sends to proclaim his word. While we’re accustomed to receiving a reward that is proportional to the effort required for that task, God provides a generous reward for even the simplest acts (showing hospitality, offering a cup of cold water). The reward offered is not based on the grandeur of our action, but on the goodness of God who generously blesses our small acts of faithfulness. Christ preaches of this same concept when he describes the poor widow’s offering of two coins in the Gospels of Mark and Luke (Mk 12:41-44, Lk 21:1-4). Jesus did not judge the monetary value of the two coins; he saw only the sacrifice and generosity that was communicated by the gesture. We can trust in the overwhelming grace of the Father that even the smallest gift we offer to him is worthy of a great reward.
GO EVANGELIZE
In the first reading, a woman generously offers lodging for the prophet Elisha. She saw Elisha’s need, knew that he was a holy man, and used the gifts and resources she had to support him in his sacred work. We are also called to generously support and encourage the ways in which our brothers and sisters are leading others to Christ. In other words, we are called to accompany our fellow disciples, whether they need a listening ear or a simple acknowledgment of their efforts. Because each baptized person shares in the mission of spreading the faith, every action we do to support one another is also supportive of this essential task of discipleship. As we begin to walk alongside other disciples, we pray that our witness manifests God’s love at work in the world and brings many closer to him.
PRAY
Our Scriptures today invite us to consider how we can support and accompany our fellow disciples: “Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple … will surely not lose his reward.” One of the simplest ways we can offer support is to pray for one another, asking for the grace to be faithful to the Lord and to our efforts to share our faith with others. Even a simple, heartfelt prayer for one another will not go unnoticed by the Lord.
By The Faithful Disciple