7/13/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 10:34-11:1

34 Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword.
35 For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
36 and one’s enemies will be those of his household.
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.
40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
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.
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.”
1 When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.

7/13/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 10:34-11:1

The Gospel passage above concludes Jesus’ instructions before sending His disciples on mission. He prepares them for a reality that is both challenging and hopeful. Following Him is not always comfortable. It may create tension even among family members, require difficult choices, and demand wholehearted commitment. Yet every sacrifice made for Him carries an eternal reward. Jesus ends His teaching by reminding His disciples that even the smallest act of kindness done for His followers will never go unnoticed by God.

The word “REWARD” helps us remember how to live as faithful disciples.

R – Remain faithful above all else.

Following Christ means placing Him at the center of life. There will be moments when His teachings conflict with popular opinions, personal comfort, or even the expectations of people we love. Remaining faithful does not mean rejecting our families; it means loving Christ first so that we can love everyone else with greater wisdom and purity. A student who refuses to cheat during an examination, an employee who chooses honesty over easy profit, or a business owner who treats workers fairly despite financial pressure all demonstrate that Christ comes first.

E – Embrace the cross daily.

Every disciple has a cross to carry. Sometimes it is a difficult responsibility, an illness, a misunderstood decision, or a sacrifice made for doing what is right. Rather than running away from hardship, Jesus invites us to embrace it with courage. Like an athlete who trains through pain to reach the finish line, Christians grow stronger through faithful perseverance. The cross is not a symbol of defeat but a pathway to deeper joy and lasting victory.

W – Welcome others with love.

Jesus teaches that welcoming His messengers is the same as welcoming Him. Hospitality is not limited to opening our homes; it includes opening our hearts. We welcome Christ whenever we encourage the discouraged, comfort the lonely, listen patiently to someone in pain, or help those in need. A smile, a meal shared with a hungry neighbor, or time spent visiting a sick friend may appear small, but in God’s eyes they become acts of love that reflect His own compassion.

A – Accept the cost of discipleship.

There is no genuine discipleship without sacrifice. Living according to God’s will sometimes means giving up convenience, popularity, or personal ambitions. Parents sacrifice sleep to care for their children. Missionaries leave familiar places to serve strangers. Volunteers quietly spend their weekends helping others instead of seeking entertainment. These sacrifices remind us that true greatness is measured not by what we gain but by what we willingly give for God’s kingdom.

R – Receive God’s promises with confidence.

Jesus assures His followers that no act of faithfulness is forgotten. Even the smallest gesture offered in love has eternal significance. The world often rewards success, wealth, and recognition, but God sees hidden acts of goodness that no one else notices. Every prayer whispered in faith, every tear shed for righteousness, every generous act done without applause is safely remembered by Him. This confidence enables us to keep serving even when appreciation never comes from people.

D – Do every good deed for Christ.

Discipleship is lived not only through dramatic moments but also through ordinary acts of kindness. Offering a glass of water, sharing encouraging words, teaching a child, forgiving an offender, or praying for someone in secret all become meaningful when done for Christ. The value of an action is not measured by its size but by the love behind it. Small deeds performed faithfully often leave the deepest and longest-lasting impact.

Following Jesus may require difficult choices, but it always leads to lasting joy. The road of discipleship is marked by sacrifice, yet every sacrifice becomes a seed that produces eternal fruit. When Christ remains our highest priority, our lives become living testimonies of His love and faithfulness.

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