Newness of Life in Christ Jesus

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 02, 2023

Readings: 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16; Ps 89:2–3, 16–19; Rom 6:3–4, 8–11; Mt 10:37–42

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/ufmBSKDTsew

As I write these few reflections, I am teaching a course on the "theology of the Holy Spirit" to our future priests. As I grapple with the mystery of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus and in the lives of Christians, I am overwhelmed by the length and breadth of this Third Person of the Trinity who accompanied Jesus throughout his life and later empowered the believers with his gifts. St Paul, who wrote extensively in his Epistles tells us that only in the light of the Holy Spirit we can understand who Jesus is for us. The Spirit of Jesus continues to strengthen the believers in every day of their lives magnificently. The liturgical readings for this Sunday are so beautiful that they invite us to embrace Jesus in our lives wholeheartedly with a singular devotion. 

1. The Challenge of Wholehearted Discipleship: Love, Sacrifice, and Reward

Jesus throws an open challenge to his followers. Jesus is not worried about the number of people who will follow him or the popularity with which he would move around. What matters Jesus is one's readiness and willingness which stems from authentic sacrifice and self-giving. In Matthew's Gospel, we read if someone loves one's father or mother, son or daughter more than Jesus, or if someone is not ready to take up the cross and follow the Lord wholeheartedly, such persons are not of interest to Jesus. It doesn't mean we should neglect our relationships with our family members, but rather, we should recognize that our love and commitment to God should be the foundation and guiding principle of our lives. For Jesus, following means 100 percent and there is nothing halfheartedness or discount following. When one gives himself or herself to God, it must be total and complete. 

Jesus also says "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me" (Mathew 10:40). Jesus identifies himself with the Father. His connectivity with the Eternal Father attracts others to join him and continue the mission of his Father. In fact, Jesus promises to those who follow him that the reward will be awaiting them. Jesus is not looking for some kind of support or sponsorship as we think in our secular world, instead, he wants you and me to follow him without any reservation or any conditions. That is why this task is hard and Jesus speaks tough language as well. When we love God above all else, it shapes our priorities, decisions, and actions.

2. Embracing Sacrifice and Hospitality while following Jesus

Following Jesus involves a willingness to let go of our comfort zones, to endure hardships, and to make sacrifices. It requires us to surrender our own ambitions and align our lives with God's will, even when it is challenging. Taking up the cross symbolizes the willingness to embrace sacrifice, suffering, and self-denial for the sake of following Jesus. It signifies surrender of our own desires and will to align ourselves with God's purposes. It means that we must listen to the Spirit of our Lord and must discern His will in our lives. Therefore prayer and contemplation of the Word of God is must to discern and to act. 

When we go out in the name of Jesus, we are supposed to share that Jesus with others. In other words, we demonstrate hospitality, acceptance, and fellowship with others. When we receive others in Jesus' name, we demonstrate our love for Him and recognize His presence in the lives of those around us. Our interactions with others should reflect the love and acceptance that Jesus has shown us. It could be translated in our speech or actions. By welcoming and embracing fellow believers, we extend hospitality to Christ Himself.  It reminds us of the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the importance of building a community grounded in love. In another place Jesus says "always treat others as you would like them to treat you" (Matthew 7:12).  Every act of love or kindness or compassion that we show has its own reward. 

3. Reunited with Christ through Baptism and transformed

Speaking to the Romans, St Paul tells us Rom 6:3–4, 8–11 that symbolically our baptism represents our participation in Christ's death and resurrection. Through baptism, believers identify with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, signifying a union with Him. In other words, baptism signifies our spiritual identification with Jesus. It represents our old self being crucified and buried with Him, and our new self being raised to newness of life. Through the Spirit of our Lord, we are given a spiritual rebirth and our lives are transformed in Christ Jesus. 

Through our identification with Christ, Christ's victory over sin and death becomes our own. We become alive to God through Jesus. This recognition transforms our mindset and empowers us to live a life characterized by righteousness and obedience to God. Moreover, the old self, with its sinful nature, is crucified and rendered powerless through our union with Christ. It means that we are made free in Christ. Now with the Holy Spirit, we are made the children of God and we can call God "Abba." May our life in Christ Jesus be transformed fully and completely for the greater glory of God. 

Questions for reflections:

1. Do I wholeheartedly embrace the call to take up my cross and follow Jesus?
2. Do I recognize and appreciate the significance of small acts of kindness and service in the eyes of God?
3. How am I investing my time, resources, and talents for the sake of the Kingdom of God?
4. What areas of my life require surrender and sacrifice in order to fully live out my faith?
5. Am I willing to let go of personal preferences and comforts in order to faithfully follow Christ?

Prayer based on Psalm 89

Gracious and Eternal God,

We come before You with hearts filled with praise and gratitude. Your faithfulness endures forever, and Your love is unchanging. You have established a covenant with us, Your people, and Your promises are sure. In the splendor of Your presence, we find joy and strength. Lord, we thank You for the abundant blessings You have bestowed upon us. 

Help us, O Lord, to walk in Your ways and to live in obedience to Your commands. Grant us the wisdom and strength to honor You with our lives. Let Your light shine through us, that others may see Your goodness and be drawn to You. In times of doubt and uncertainty, remind us of Your steadfast love. When we face trials and challenges, be our refuge and strength. May our lives be a testimony of Your faithfulness, and may Your name be glorified in all that we do.

We offer this prayer of praise and thanksgiving, trusting in Your unwavering faithfulness and grace. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

June 29, 2023