Reflection for June 28, 2026

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16A | Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19 | Romans 6:3-4, 8-11 | Matthew 10:37-42

​Today is the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In Today's readings, we'll reflect on welcoming God's messengers, embracing our new life in Christ, putting Jesus first in our lives, and showing love through simple acts of kindness.

​It was Sunday, and Fr. Benedict happily accepted the Cruz family's invitation for lunch. Around the table sat Grandpa Tony, Grandma Nena, Papa Mark, Mama Grace, and little Billy. Grandpa raised his glass. "Father, thank you for blessing our home. I promise to support your convent renovation project." Papa smiled. "That's wonderful, Grandpa! Grace and I will sponsor the altar flowers every Sunday for the whole year." Fr. Benedict beamed. "Your generosity is truly inspiring." Little Billy clapped excitedly. "Wow! Papa and Grandpa are so kind!" Then he turned to Mama and Grandma with wide, innocent eyes. "Mama! Grandma! We should give Father even more money, shouldn't we?" Everyone nodded politely. Billy continued loudly, "I always hear you both saying Father Benedict is a VERY poor preacher!" Silence. Mama nearly swallowed her spoon. Grandma suddenly became fascinated with the rice. Papa stared at the ceiling. Fr. Benedict slowly smiled, folded his hands, and said, "Well... at least now I know which collection basket needs the most prayers!"

Acts of generous hospitality never go unnoticed. God never fails to bless kindness with even greater abundance. In our first reading, we meet the traveling prophet Elisha, who arrives in the town of Shunem and is warmly welcomed by an elderly couple known for their generosity. Even though they are advanced in age and have no children, they gladly invite Elisha to stay in their home whenever he passes through. They don't just open their doors to him—they even prepare a small room where he can rest, supporting his mission with genuine care. In gratitude for their kindness, Elisha blesses the couple with the promise that their years of childlessness will come to an end, and that they will be blessed with a son.

Once upon a time, a heartless hunter shot a majestic mother eagle, leaving behind a lone egg in her nest. A compassionate hen discovered the orphaned egg, carried it to her coop, and nestled it among her own. When it hatched, the farmer named the eaglet Chikita and raised her like every other chick. Growing up among chickens, Chikita believed she was one of them. One day, she looked up and saw magnificent eagles soaring effortlessly across the heavens. Her heart longed to fly, but everyone around her insisted that chickens belonged on the ground. Then a traveler visited the farm. The moment he saw Chikita, he recognized her true identity. Patiently, he trained her to trust her wings. At last, he lifted his arm and released her into the air. For the first time, Chikita spread her powerful wings. She soared higher and higher, circling above the stranger with a joyful cry before disappearing into the endless blue sky.

Those who have accepted Christ in faith and have been united with Him through the sacrament of Baptism are called to live according to their new identity. In his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul reminds us that Baptism means dying to our old way of life and rising to a new life in Christ. Once a person has been set free from something that enslaved them, it makes no sense to keep living as if nothing has changed. We cannot take part in dishonest and immoral practices. We cannot stay silent when people's rights are ignored. We cannot be passive when lies and misinformation continue to spread. We cannot support selective justice or double standards. If we have truly died to sin and have been set free by Christ, it is unreasonable to keep living a sinful life. We should no longer live as though our Baptism never happened. Saint Paul's message challenges us to ask ourselves: Are the fruits of our Baptism still visible in the way we live, the choices we make, and the things we care about each day?

Ernesto the farmer came charging into the house so excited you'd think he'd just won the lottery without even buying a ticket. "Family! Great news! Our best cow just gave birth to twins—a red calf and a white calf! I have this strong feeling we should dedicate one of them to the Lord. We'll raise them both, and when they're grown, we'll sell one and give every peso to God's work." His wife, Marita, smiled. "That's wonderful! So... which calf belongs to the Lord?" Ernesto waved his hand confidently. "Let's not get stuck on the details. They both eat the same grass, drink the same milk, and moo in the same key. We'll raise them exactly the same. When the time comes, I'll know which one belongs to the Lord." Several months later, Ernesto shuffled into the kitchen looking as if someone had stolen his favorite slippers and his lunch. Marita looked up and asked, "Why the long face? Did the chickens start charging rent?" Ernesto sighed dramatically. "I have terrible news. The Lord's calf is dead." Marita frowned. "Hold on. I thought you never decided which calf was the Lord's." "Oh, I decided that a long time ago," Ernesto replied without missing a beat. "It was the white one." Marita stared at him. "So let me get this straight," she said. "The Lord's calf just happened to be the one that died?" Ernesto nodded solemnly. "Yes. It's a tragedy." Marita folded her arms. "Interesting. If the healthy one had died instead, would that have suddenly become the Lord's calf?" Ernesto suddenly found the floor extremely fascinating.

In Today's Gospel (Matthew 10:37–42), Jesus invites us to examine what truly comes first in our lives. Loving our family is not opposed to loving God. In fact, honoring our parents and caring for our loved ones are part of God's commandments. Yet Jesus reminds us that when loyalty to Him and loyalty to the world come into conflict, our faith must always take first place. Following Christ is not always easy. It may bring misunderstanding, rejection, or even opposition from those closest to us. Nevertheless, authentic discipleship calls us to carry our cross each day and remain faithful despite the cost. The Gospel also teaches that greatness in God's Kingdom is often found in the smallest acts of love. Welcoming a disciple, offering encouragement, or giving even a cup of cold water to someone in need becomes an act of love for Christ Himself. We may not be able to solve the world's biggest problems, but we can choose to be kind, generous, and compassionate wherever we are. As Saint Teresa of Calcutta wisely said, we cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love. When God is our highest priority, every ordinary act of love becomes an extraordinary witness to His presence.

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