loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take up his cross and come after me is not worthy
of me. One who wants to benefit from his life will lose it; one who loses his life for my sake will find it. Whoever welcomes you welcomes me,
and whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. The one who welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive the reward of a prophet;
the one who welcomes a just man because he is a just man will receive the reward of a just man. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones, because he is a disciple of mine, I assure you, he will not go unrewarded.” When Jesus had finished giving his
twelve disciples these instructions, he went on from there to teach and to proclaim his message in their towns.
Reflection:
In this gospel, Jesus lay the consequences of discipleship. Division will
happen even within family as a consequence of following Him. This happened in the
early years of the movement while it struggles to keep alive the memory of Jesus.
The first persecution of the followers of Jesus comes from their fellow Jews. Some
of them are close family and friends. The martyrdom of Stephen is the beginning of
waves of persecution abetted by Temple authorities. That is why the early believers
scattered themselves to the different territories of the Roman empire. In all of these,
Jesus presents hope for the few who will remain faithful to Him. Those who will help
them will be rewarded. After all, what they will do to His followers, they also do to
Him. So, discipleship is not just about hardship. It is also reward and the promise of
life eternal. The last sentence of God is always positive and good.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021