25 At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.

These words are not a prayer of praise for the ignorant, as elsewhere Matthew regards wisdom and understanding as positive attributes of the disciples themselves (7:24-27; 13:51;23:34; 25:1-13).  Rather Matthew affirms that those who recognize Jesus do not do so on the basis of superior religious status or individual intelligence, but by revelation, as the gift of God to those who are open and unpretentious. The childlike have no real basis for claiming knowledge of God, yet they are the very ones to whom the divine revelation is given as a gift of the Father’s gracious will (v.26). Continue reading →

The Sunday to come is the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The transition of Sunday gospels from the 13th to the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year A) passes over Matthew 11:1-24 which can be aptly described as the warnings of Matthew 10 coming true. (Note: these verses are read on the 3rd Sunday of Advent) There will indeed be opposition within and from the people of Israel. There have been all manner of opposition alluded to in Matthew’s narrative, e.g., Herod, the devil in the wilderness temptation, persecutions mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount, scribal accusations after healing on the Sabbath, Pharisees condemning Jesus because he ate with sinners and tax collectors, and more. As this chapter unfolds, clear lines of demarcation will be evident between doubt and unbelief on one side and belief on the other. Continue reading →

The Sunday to come is the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time in Liturgical Year A. Since the middle of chapter 4 we have been witnesses to how Jesus faithfully carries out his commission from the Father. On some occasions Jesus’ words carried the message: Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7) or the Missionary Discourse (Mt 10). At other times the message was conveyed via actions (Mt 8-9). Continue reading →

42 And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

Jesus emphasizes the importance of even the smallest act of compassion by mentioning the offering of a cup of cold water. Water is essential for sustenance and refreshment, especially in a hot climate, and providing a cup of cold water to someone in need can alleviate their discomfort and signify care and concern. By using this example, Jesus highlights that even the most seemingly insignificant act of kindness can have profound significance in the eyes of God. Continue reading →

41 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward.

In this verse, Jesus outlines the significance and benefits of receiving and supporting individuals who are considered prophets and righteous men. The term “prophet” refers to someone who receives divine revelations and communicates God’s messages to the people. In 5:11-12, Jesus has already connected the disciples in their suffering and persecution to “the prophets who were before you.” Continue reading →

The dialog shifts from a focus on the disciples on a mission, to those they encounter on the way. No doubt they have already met people along the way who enthusiastically greeted Jesus, and were willing to offer support and shelter to the disciples. They are perhaps not committed to the more rigorous demands of discipleship, but there is a positive attitude to the disciples and their mission. Jesus is happy to recognize this less committed level of following him as good and true, and which deserves and will receive its reward. Continue reading →

Jesus uses the expression “take up his cross” here and more famously in Mt 16:24: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” What is Matthew’s intent in using this expression? Undoubtedly writing some 40 years after the Crucifixion, it echoes the Roman execution methods broadly and the death of Jesus specifically. The cross, in this context, represents the suffering, rejection, and ultimately, the crucifixion that Jesus himself would endure. Taking up one’s cross, therefore, implies a willingness to bear the hardships and challenges associated with following Jesus, even if it leads to personal sacrifice or persecution. Continue reading →

The coming Sunday is the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time in Liturgical Year A. As Jesus had warned in earlier passages, there will be divisions within families that will bring a believer to a choice: loyalty to Jesus or the family.

37 “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;38 and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Continue reading →

The coming Sunday is the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time in Liturgical Year A and continues to explore verses in the “Missionary Discourse” of Matthew’s gospel. Last week, in discussing the 12th Sunday passage (Mt 10:26-33) we noted that Jesus had sent the disciples on mission: we learn the names of the Twelve, hear of their commission (vv. 5-15), and, also, we hear warnings of the persecutions they will face (vv.16-25). It is after this warning that last week’s gospel, ominously opens with: “Therefore do not be afraid of them.” Yes, as Jesus warns, they will share in the life, mission, and suffering as will their Teacher. But, they are to trust the One who cares for the even smallest of creatures. The sparrows, which can be purchased for a pittance, are cared for by God (v.31) during their lifetime alive, but even their death is within the Creator’s care. All happens with “your Father’s knowledge” – and so the disciples are to trust. Continue reading →

“Do not fear!”  has been repeated throughout this passage of the gospel for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. They serve to encourage the disciples to fearless confession in the face of opposition. Each saying is introduced by “Do not be afraid” (vv. 26, 28, 31) and attacks the fears that could cause the disciples to abandon their mission. The first saying (vv. 26–27) appeals to the inevitability of the coming of God’s kingdom and Jesus’ witness to it. Then the hypocrisy of the disciples’ opponents will be revealed. The second saying (vv. 28–30) appeals to God’s care for Jesus’ disciples. Their opponents can destroy the body but not the soul. The third saying (vv. 31–33) appeals to the final judgment before God, which will be based on the disciples’ faithfulness to Jesus during the conflicts that are part of their mission.

Jesus acknowledges the reality of fear, but asks that trust in God as loving Father outweigh the fear of the child.

Image credit: Image credit: The Sacrament of Ordination (Christ Presenting the Keys to Saint Peter), c. 1636-40, by Nicholas Poussin, Public Domain