First Reading • 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
Psalm • Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
Second Reading • Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Gospel • Matthew 10:37-42
Today’s Gospel invites us to reflect on what it means to put Christ first in our lives.
Summer has a way of changing our routines. People travel, schedules become less structured, and life can feel a little more scattered than usual.
Sometimes, without even realizing it, God can slowly move further down the list. Not because we stop believing, but because so many things compete for our attention; work, family responsibilities, entertainment, and so on.
Into a world like that, Jesus speaks some challenging words:
“Whoever loves father or mother, son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
At first, those words can sound harsh. But Jesus is not asking us to love our families less. Rather, He is asking us a deeper question: What truly comes first in our lives?
When Christ is first, everything else finds its proper place. We become better spouses, parents, children, friends, and disciples because our love is rooted in Him.
Today’s Gospel continues Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as He sends them on mission.
He sends them in response to the spiritual hunger and suffering He sees around Him.
Their task is to seek out the lost sheep, heal their wounds, and lead them back to the Good Shepherd.
That same mission continues in the Church today.
The Church is Christ’s gift of love to the world. We are not speaking only of buildings or church leaders, but of every baptized person.
The Church exists because Jesus loves the poor, the sick, the lost, and the forgotten. That mission belongs to all of us.
Some are called to dedicate their lives to God’s service as priests, deacons, or religious.
Through prayer, preaching, and the sacraments, they continue Christ’s work in a special way. Perhaps someone here feels a quiet tug in the heart when hearing about such a vocation.
If so, do not dismiss it too quickly. Bring it to prayer. God still calls people, and someone’s prayer for laborers in the vineyard may be answered through you.
Most people, however, are called to serve God through marriage and family life.
In a culture that often fears lifelong commitment, Christian marriage is a powerful witness. Couples who faithfully love one another and raise their children in faith help build a more loving and hope-filled world.
Parents also have a unique responsibility as the first teachers of the faith. During summer, many parents devote countless hours to helping their children grow in sports, music, and other activities. Because they want them to develop their talents and succeed in life.
These things are good. But the life of faith is even more important.
As we invest in our children’s physical and intellectual development, we must also invest in their spiritual growth.
Summer is a wonderful opportunity to do that. Bring your children to Mass regularly. Teach them how to pray.
Read a Bible story with them. Take a few moments each day to thank God for His blessings. The greatest gift we can give our children is not success in sports or academics, but a living faith that will guide them throughout their lives.
Another important way we support Christ’s mission is through hospitality. The first reading gives us a beautiful example.
The woman of Shunem welcomed the prophet Elisha into her home and prepared a room for him. Her simple generosity became a channel of God’s grace.
Jesus tells us that whoever welcomes His disciples shares in their reward. One practical way to support the Church’s mission is to welcome those who serve it.
Priests, deacons, and religious often appreciate something as simple as an invitation to share a meal with a family.
So often they have to eat alone, and they are not the best cooks. Such kindness strengthens and encourages them in their ministry.
We also support the Church’s mission through our financial generosity. Our contributions help maintain places of worship, educate the young, support charitable works, and care for those in need.
Jesus desires that all people come to know His love. Whether through priesthood, marriage, family life, hospitality, service, or generosity, each of us has a role to play.
As we enter these summer months, let us make a conscious effort to keep Christ at the center of our lives.
When He comes first, everything else finds its proper place, and we become instruments of His love in the world.
