Reflection Date: June 28, 2026 | ThirteenthSunday in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a; Romans 6:3-4, 8-11; Matthew 10:37-42
Children of God:
During the medieval period, many pilgrims left behind wealth, inheritance rights, and comfortable lives in order to join crusades, monasteries, or long spiritual journeys.
Some noblemen surrendered their family titles and properties to younger siblings before entering religious life.
Others walked thousands of kilometers toward Jerusalem, Rome, or Santiago de Compostela with only simple clothing and faith in God.
Young men entered monasteries where silence, prayer, and manual labor replaced luxury and privilege.
Some families did not understand why their sons or daughters chose a life that seemed difficult and uncertain.
There were also knights who joined crusades believing they were defending Christian lands and living out their faith through sacrifice.
Not all these historical events were perfect, and some carried political motives and human failures, but they revealed one thing clearly: many people believed Christ was worth more than comfort and security.
These pilgrims understood that faith was not simply an idea but a commitment demanding courage and surrender.
Their stories remind us that discipleship always involves choosing what matters most.
In the gospel story of Matthew, Jesus spoke challenging words about discipleship.
He said, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).
He also spoke about carrying the cross and losing one’s life for His sake.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, real discipleship requires difficult choices.
Jesus spoke honestly to His followers.
He never promised an easy path.
He told them that following Him would involve sacrifice, courage, and even misunderstanding from others.
The people listening to Him understood that choosing Christ could sometimes create tension inside families and communities.
Even today, faith demands choices.
A young person may choose honesty even if cheating seems easier.
A worker may refuse corruption even when pressured by others.
A family member may choose forgiveness instead of revenge.
A person may prioritize prayer and moral integrity over popularity or convenience.
These choices may not always be dramatic, but they reveal where our true priorities lie.
Carrying the cross does not only mean suffering.
It also means remaining faithful during difficult moments.
Some crosses appear through sickness, financial struggles, disappointments, or sacrifices for loved ones.
Others appear through loneliness or standing for truth when it becomes unpopular.
Christ reminds us that a meaningful life is not built merely on comfort but on love, fidelity, and purpose.
Real discipleship requires difficult choices.
Second, even small acts done with love matter deeply to God.
Jesus ended this Gospel with a surprising image.
He said that even giving a cup of cold water to one of His little ones would not lose its reward.
This showed that God notices ordinary acts of kindness that people often overlook.
Great holiness is often hidden in simple generosity.
Many people think they cannot serve God because they are not rich, famous, or influential.
But Jesus valued even small gestures offered with sincerity.
A listening ear for someone struggling, a simple meal shared with the hungry, or a quiet prayer for another person can become holy acts.
God sees the love behind every action.
Parents who sacrifice for their children show real discipleship.
Workers who remain honest show real discipleship.
Young people who choose goodness despite peer pressure show real discipleship.
Every small act of faithfulness becomes part of God’s kingdom.
Christ never wastes acts of love done in His name.
Even small acts done with love matter deeply to God.
As we reflect today, we ask ourselves: What attachments make it difficult for me to follow Christ more fully?
Do I place God at the center of my decisions and relationships? What simple act of kindness or sacrifice can I offer today as a sign of discipleship?
Children of God:
Jesus never forced anyone to follow Him, but He always invited people into a deeper kind of life.
We may not leave behind castles, inheritances, or long pilgrimages today, but we are still called to surrender pride, selfishness, and fear.
The world often teaches people to hold tightly to possessions and comfort.
But Jesus teaches us to hold tightly to faith, compassion, and truth.
May we never be afraid of sacrifices made for love and goodness.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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