The Call to Wholehearted Discipleship: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sermon by Emmanuel Suntheni OSB – Thirteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time
Sermon And Christian Act In The Word
Theme: Am I hospitable? Treat every guest as Christ! The Call to Wholehearted Discipleship!
Point of Reflection: Treat every guest as Christ, says St Benedict. How do we treat our guests? How do we show it? The Scriptural readings of today share a common theme of hospitality and they elaborate on the fruits produced by acts of openness and welcoming towards others.
First Reading: 2 Kings 4:8–11, 14–16
Psalm: Psalm 89:2–3, 16–19
Second Reading: Romans 6:3–4, 8–11
Gospel: Matthew 10:37–42
Sermon (Reflection): One of the Benedictine values is Hospitality. St Benedict in his rule for monks and nuns has extensively dealt with hospitality and how to receive guests in our lives and in the communities we live. Today’s readings show the direct link between hospitality and life. Elisha in the first reading brought new life to a barren family in response to their hospitality. Paul in the second reading confirmed that eternal life stems from being invited and welcomed by Christ to join him by being “baptised into his death”. In the final words of his missionary discourse in the Gospel of today, Jesus instructed the disciples to offer their lives completely in the service of the mission. Hospitality is an act of opening oneself to God’s gifts and blessings carried by those whom God sends. Today’s readings challenge us to examine our priorities, relationships, and the depth of our commitment to following Christ.
The episode from the prophet Elisha’s ministry in the first reading of today narrates the story of hospitality shown to him by a Shunammite “woman of rank”, who must have been a wealthy person with ample material resources. She was also a sensitive and perceptive woman. Inviting the prophet to eat and even reside in her house, she demonstrated her ability to recognize him as “a holy man of God” and, together with her husband, she welcomed him into their home and their lives. This hospitality provoked the prophet’s response. First, Elisha called the woman and offered to recommend her to the local authorities, apparently regarding some business arrangement which might benefit her (cf. 2 Kgs 4:13). She refused that offer. When Elisha insisted on showing her kindness, his own servant, Gehazi, pointed out where the prophet’s intervention was truly needed, since the woman had no children.
The logic was that since children are God’s blessing, their lack meant God’s curse. Gehazi, saying that “she has no son and her husband is old”, revealed all her hidden pain and the lack of hope or possibility for the removal of the alleged “curse” by human means. Nevertheless, Elisha, “the holy man of God” called the woman and announced that her barrenness will end, and she will bear a son. This promise was decisively stated by the prophet, with God’s authority behind his words, “at this season, in due time, you shall embrace a son”. Although the text of this reading ends with a sceptical response from the woman, the subsequent verses report that the promise came true; the woman conceived and bore a son. The prophet brought the blessing into the life of the family when, humanly speaking, it seemed impossible. This miraculous reversal of fortunes, and the prophetic action which caused it, was a response to the hospitality which the Shunammite woman had gratuitously shown. Hence, hospitality brings blessings to our homes and our lives.
The passage from the Letter to the Romans which is our second reading today highlights the new situation of the members of the Christian community who embraced Christ. Paul counts himself among them, as he begins this passage with the phrase, “all of us”. This newness consists in being removed from living under the power and reign of sin, and brought into union with Christ through baptism. Paul develops his argument on the basis of the inner unity of each faithful person with Christ. This unity was established through baptism, which Paul describes as immersion “into Christ’s death.” Using symbolic language, Paul refers to death as an act of complete separation from something. In this case being “dead to sin” means complete separation from sin and a new birth in Christ.
Positively, “being dead to sin” leads to being joined to Christ and God, and being “alive for God in Christ Jesus”. Thus, union with Christ in baptism means dying to sin and rising to life for God and for Jesus.
However, it must be noted that this process can take place because believers have been welcomed “into Christ”. The gift of life eternal is given to those who are “in Christ”. Christ’s offer extended to believers is an example of extreme “hospitality”. Christ welcomes former sinners, separated from himself and his Father, to be joined to himself in order to bring them to a life-giving union with God.
The Gospel passage of today concludes the “missionary discourse” of Jesus in Matthew chapter 10. In his final remarks, Jesus stresses the necessity of preferring him even more than one’s closest family, in order to become his disciple and to be “worthy” of him. Love for Jesus supersedes family bonds.He says “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.” These words may initially sound harsh, but they reveal a fundamental truth: our love for Christ must surpass all other affections. Jesus desires our wholehearted devotion, not just a place among our many priorities. He calls us to prioritise our relationship with Him above any other earthly bond.
For the first time in Matthew’s Gospel, the word “cross” appears, and is immediately identified as an essential component of discipleship (Matt 10:18). Those who, like Jesus, sacrifice their lives for the sake of God’s kingdom, will become like him and will find life eternal. The profound message here is that life is a gift of God, but, paradoxically, a disciple can fully receive that gift only by making his or her own life a gift. In a world that often values personal desires and ambitions, Jesus reminds us that true discipleship requires sacrifice. Jesus speaks of the willingness to embrace the challenges and hardships that accompany the path of discipleship.
Taking up our cross signifies surrendering our own will, embracing self-denial, and following Christ’s example of sacrificial love.
Furthermore, Jesus assures us that those who lose their lives for His sake will find true life. He declares, “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” This paradoxical statement invites us to reflect on the transformative power of selflessness. By surrendering our lives to Christ, we discover a deeper purpose, fulfilment, and an eternal reward that surpasses any earthly gain. The profound message here is that life is a gift of God, but, paradoxically, a disciple can fully receive that gift only by making his or her own life a gift
Another important message of this conclusion points to the importance of openness, and receptiveness to God’s message, and his messengers, and the importance of extending hospitality to them. The passage speaks about welcoming Christ’s disciples, prophets and upright persons. These groups were the various types of God’s messengers and missionaries active at the beginnings of the Church. By extending hospitality and kindness to those who bear the message of Christ, we participate in His mission and become instruments of His love in the world. The words of Jesus in Matthew 10:37-42 remind us that discipleship is not a casual commitment but a radical and transformative journey. It requires us to surrender our desires, place Christ above all else, and embrace a life of selfless love and service
Christian Act in Word of God “Discipleship & Hospitality”
When I was growing up at home, my mom used to have a special cupboard where the best cups, plates and glasses are kept for “visitors only” purposes. I remember as a child the excitement that filled our home when visitors came. Not only did they receive the best plates and glasses, but it was also an opportunity to eat special dishes that were not part of our everyday menu. The visitor transformed our home, filling it with excitement and anticipation.
In African cultures, we find a common concept of “Ubuntu”. To be human is to possess, embody and practice Ubuntu. In the spirit of Ubuntu, one’s family is not limited to biological parents and siblings but to all who belong to the human family. Hospitality, therefore, is not just about actions but defines what it means to be a person. I remember growing up and referring to all the women and men who were the same age as my parents as “mothers and fathers”, and young people of my age or older or younger as brothers and sisters. The hospitality of Ubuntu therefore extended the family to include everyone. In my Christian life, do I embrace the spirit of Ubuntu?
Sadly, Ubuntu and similar practices and concepts around the world are under threat from the newly emerging global lifestyle with its values of individualism, nuclear family, independence, privacy and “minding one’s own business”.
As we navigate our daily lives, let us continuously examine our hearts and align our priorities with the teachings of Christ. Let us seek to love Him above all else, recognising that true fulfilment and purpose are found in a deep and intimate relationship with Him.
In our pursuit of discipleship, we may face challenges and sacrifices. But, as Jesus promised, the rewards far outweigh the cost. By losing our lives for His sake, we find true life—a life anchored in God’s grace, love, and eternal promises.
Furthermore, let us extend hospitality and love to those who bear the message of Christ. By welcoming them, we not only honour them but also welcome Christ Himself and participate in His mission on earth.
Action: I will receive every guest as Christ no matter how he or she looks.
Prayer: Lord our God, may the witness of your generosity through creation, and above all through Jesus Christ, inspire us to be true disciples and embody hospitality in our homes. St Benedict says: treat every guest as Christ, may we offer and share a welcoming embrace, forgiveness, food, shelter, justice and dignity in each and every person we encounter, we ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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