Reflection for Sunday – June 28, 2026

Sr. Barbara Moore, RSMSunday Readings Homilies

Readings:  Kings 4: 8-11, 14-16; Romans 6: 3-4, 8-11; Matthew 10: 37-42 
Preacher: Sr. Barbara Moore RSM

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me…is not worthy of me.”  Just to read this and not explore it may raise hard questions for us, and it is what we call a “difficult text” unless we deeply explore it.  Of course, love exists for both, but Jesus is reminding us of the overarching place of God in our lives.  And this Gospel that shares that commitment to him overrides other responsibilities we face. Perhaps, at some time we have been in a place where we have had to make that decision.  And it is not an easy one to make.

In this Gospel, Jesus also shares other burdens that may flow from our commitment to him. Taking up one’s cross is often extremely hard, but life is full of decisions like that, and we are invited to act.  Of course, the actual cross that Jesus experienced is used here as a powerful term. The concept of “a cross” needs explanation.  Crosses in life are often beyond our control.  Illnesses, death of a loved one, aging, financial burdens, divorce and job loss are just a few some of us have faced. The next teaching is easier to explain because the “finding of life” by some definition may be very positive for some of us. 

“Losing our lives” is something we all have done in service and care for others.  Jesus seems to be saying that when we “loose” our life in service on some level for another, we find much more than expected.  Jesus becomes much more personal as he continues his teaching, that even a drink of water (meaning here a service) to another will be rewarded.  He is saying that what we do in Jesus’ name for another, “will not go unrewarded.”

Those who followed Jesus, and heard today’s Gospel, were aware of the story in our first reading.  The story of the hospitality Elisha received from a “woman of influence” as recorded in the Book of Kings, and the blessing she received.

She had carried a heavy cross by being barren and was now promised a child.   Hospitality is a quality Jesus valued.  Today’s Gospel supports that concept when Jesus says, “Whoever receives you (apostles) receives me.”

Father Richard McBride writes about our readings today, and the quality of hospitality when he quotes Jesus’: “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me, welcome the one who sent me.”  Father McBride adds this twist that when we are open to welcoming and opening our hearts to the other, “In the end, it is God who is our guest.”

Sr. Barbara Moore, RSM
Latest posts by Sr. Barbara Moore, RSM (see all)
Share