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