Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Today's Word
2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a; Rom 6:3-4, 8-11; Mt 10:37-42 Read at USCCB
Real Talk
The Shunammite woman recognized that Elisha was a holy man of God. So she made him a room on the roof - bed, table, chair, lamp. She didn't wait to be asked. She saw what was holy and created space for it. And later when Elisha asked what could be done for her, the answer was: she has no son. Promise: this time next year you will be holding a baby son.
She prepared the room without knowing about the son.
Paul says: you died with Christ. You were raised with him. Death no longer has power over you. Consider yourselves dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus. This is not something you have to achieve - it is something you have to reckon as already true.
Jesus closes the missionary discourse: whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. And: whoever gives even a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple will not lose their reward.
One Prayer
Lord, let me recognize what is holy and make room for it. Let the consider-yourselves-dead-to-sin be the actual operating reality. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.
Your Challenge
Two things this week: make room for something holy (one act of hospitality toward someone carrying something holy), and receive the baptismal reckoning (you died with Christ, death has no power over you, you are living for God - live from that today).
You are not alone. Submit your intentions and they'll be carried to Holy Hour this Sunday.
Take to Holy Hour