The Gospel
Matthew 10:40-42
Jesus said, “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.”
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This is a beautiful text. As we marvel in its beauty, recall also that as did the Christ, so also the Christian is called to do accordingly. Jesus welcomed others, and was welcomed by them. The Christian is welcomed by others, and is called to welcome also. Now remember also that Jesus did not simply just receive those who received him. He showed mercy even to those who had it not in their heart to welcome him. We need to do the same. We give a cup of cold water even to those who would reject us and who would reject the Christ. The Benedictines, following the Rule of St. Benedict, their founder, practice such a welcome with great beauty. The Saint reminded his followers that we who are the Body of Christ as to receive all persons as we would receive Christ. Consequently, I have said, and have heard others say, that you will find no greater welcome than among the Benedictines. But wouldn't it be nice if that we said not only of them and not only by persons of faith? Imagine the power of the proclamation of the Gospel if even those who have no time for the Gospel and for the Christ found themselves saying that no greater welcome, and no greater charity, would be found elsewhere than among the Christians. Imagine if the world were to say of us as Christians: "See how they love others!" This need not be a pipe dream.
Father Tim+
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