13th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 28 June 2020
“Anyone who welcomes you, welcomes me.”
Full Printable Version Here
Something to Think About
Where do we find Jesus today and how do we make Jesus welcome?
Think about your family, your friends, your neighbours. Is there someone that could use your help?
Maybe you could do a job to help a grandparent. Maybe you could cheer up someone who is sick.
We can be the hands of Jesus and help others.
The Story
In today’s reading from Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is instructing the twelve before sending them out to tell other people about Jesus’ message. The instructions Jesus gave his disciples are also instructions for us. Jesus is telling us that when we welcome and help other people, we welcome and help Jesus.
The Scriptures
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 10:40-42
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me.
And anyone who welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me.
“Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet,
will be given the same reward as a prophet.
Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good,
will be given the same reward as a good person.
“And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will surely be rewarded.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Family Discussion
Talk about what makes you feel welcome when you go somewhere new.
When you have visitors to your house, how do you make them feel welcome?
This is what Jesus is talking about when he says that we are to welcome strangers and be kind to them.
When are some occasions when you have been welcoming and kind?
Talk about how when we do this it is just as if we are welcoming Jesus. Jesus can only act through our hands, our words, and our generosity.
Family Activity
This week be a family that answers Jesus’ call to welcome the stranger, to comfort the afflicted, to feed the poor. How can we do this, especially in this time of COVID-19?
Maybe you know a person or a family who would appreciate a home cooked meal delivered to their door – add a note with a blessing prayer from your family.
Maybe you know someone who is feeling sad or lonely and would love the surprise of a letter or card from your family – add a blessing prayer from your family.