13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 28, 2026
Readings: 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16; Ps 89:2–3, 16–19; Rom 6:3–4, 8–11; Mt 10:37–42
ಇವನಾರವ ಇವನಾರವ ಇವನಾರವನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸದಿರಯ್ಯ. (ivanArava ivanArava ivanaravanendu enisadirayya.)
ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವ ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವ, ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸಯ್ಯ. (iva nammava iva nammava, iva nammavanendu enisayya.)
ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮದೇವಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯ ಮಗನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸಯ್ಯ. (kudala sangamadeva nimma maneya maganendu enisayya.)
[Don't make (me) think, "Whose is this man? Whose is this man? Whose is this man?"
Make (me) think, "This is our man. This is our man. This is our man."
Oh the Deity of kudala sangama, make (me) think that "I am a son of Your house."]
These beautiful words written by Basavanna (1131–1196) in his Vachanas/sayings give the crux of what hospitality means. As we meditate over the liturgical readings on this 13th Sunday in Ordinary time, the Word of God invites us to embrace everyone as our brothers and sisters, so that we may truly call ourselves as children of God.
1. Embracing the Other with True Hospitality
The pretty emotional tone that we find in 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16 where prophet Elisha is accepted as a member of the household not by a man but a woman who was barren. The kindness of the woman is such that she makes her husband to give the best of the hospitality to the prophet of God. She swiftly recognizes the holiness in Elisha moreover shows her kindness as one of the family members.
No good work goes invain. The goodness of the person is rewarded not in small measure but in abundance. When we do the things pleasing to God, whatever may be the situation, God knows what to give us. He knows the inner cravings and deeper groanings of our heart. He is there to console us in times of distress and fear. What is necessary from our part is just to do what is pleasing to God. Show the humanity that is within us towards others. Just like this lady's heart was fulfilled with a son, we too receive such blessings that are meant for us.
2. Ready to master Master's Wishes
Jesus gives definite tasks to his disciples in Mt 10:37–42. The disciples of Jesus are supposed to do things not according to the things of this world but according to the Master. They are to follow the Kingdom values where nothing is cosy, easy, choosy and fine but tough, difficult, hard, unacceptable and unbearable. It is like swimming against the current of the water. You follow what you are asked to. There is no compromise.
God loves those who follow His commands and not the whims of this world. Yes we live in this world. The world is a monastery. We must find God in this world. Our journey towards God starts from here by embracing others, leaving the dear and near ones to embrace one who has called, ready to take up the cross, and follow Him, the one ready to lose one's life for higher things, ready to embrace holiness of a prophet, ready to satisfy the thirst of others is truly blessed, indeed.
3. Being attentive to the Grace-filled moments
Living with God is nothing but living in newness. We get renewed, reenergized, revitalized and rekindled by the Spirit of God. That is why we need to have courage to follow the ways of the Lord. It is not easy to follow things that are not common and unusual. When those chances come knocking on our doors, we must be attentive and wholesome.
God comes to us in raw moments of our lives. We cannot give to others what we don't have. We can give ourselves only when we are molded in such things. The first experience of our God in our lives brings enormous changes. We get transformed when we accept God as God and understand the simple truth that we are His. May this truth of ourselves strengthen us powerfully that we truly become embracers of all the people of God.
Questions for self-reflections:
- What place does Jesus occupy in my life?
- What sacrifices, challenges, or responsibilities am I being called to embrace faithfully?
- Do I recognize His presence in family members, colleagues, students, strangers, and those in need?
- When following Christ becomes difficult, how do I respond?
Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to love You above all things, to carry my cross with courage, and to recognize Your presence in every person I meet. Make me generous in service, faithful in discipleship, and open to the transforming power of Your love. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ
E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
Blog: Celebrate Faith
Video: YouTube
24 June 2026
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