Reflection for July 9 Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.   

Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace.    

If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” 

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Reflection:

The story is told of a righteous man who often reflected on the Kingdom of God. He would ask himself, "When will I experience the Kingdom of God?" Then, without warning, he suffered a heart attack and died. His soul was ushered by an angel into heaven to be with Jesus.

The Kingdom of God comes to us through the many avenues of life, and one of these avenues is our death. Whether we are ready or not, that moment will come for each one of us. If we were asked today, "Are we prepared to meet the Lord?" many, if not all, of us would probably answer, "Not yet," because we are still occupied with the many concerns, responsibilities, and pursuits of this earthly life.

We spend so much of our time working for things that will eventually pass away. But have we also been investing our time and energy in the things of God? Are we allowing our hearts to grow each day in faith, love, mercy, and obedience? Are we striving to deepen our friendship with Jesus by serving others, forgiving those who have hurt us, and living according to His will?

Jesus' instructions to His apostles are also His marching orders for us today: "Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons." In other words, Jesus calls us to become instruments of His healing, compassion, hope, and love.

While we may not literally perform miracles as the apostles did, we are all called to bring His life-giving presence into the lives of others, especially the poor, the forgotten, the lonely, and those who are burdened by suffering. Whenever we freely give of ourselves, offer encouragement, extend forgiveness, or share what God has entrusted to us, we become living witnesses of His Kingdom.

Will we receive material or financial rewards for faithfully carrying out Jesus' mission? Perhaps not. Yet our greatest reward has never been earthly wealth, recognition, or success. Our greatest reward is the joy of walking with Christ now and the hope of dwelling with Him forever. Every act of love, every sacrifice made for His sake, and every faithful step of obedience prepares our hearts for our eternal home with Him.

Life is fleeting, and everything we possess in this world will one day be left behind. Wealth, achievements, and worldly success cannot accompany us into eternity. Only our relationship with God and the love we have shown to others will endure. As we journey through this life, may we continually choose what has eternal value, trusting that every act of faithfulness draws us closer to the Kingdom that Jesus has prepared for those who love Him.

When our earthly journey comes to an end and we finally stand before the Lord, will He find hearts that have been consumed by the pursuit of worldly treasures, or hearts that have faithfully loved, served, and followed Him?

Today, while we still have the gift of time, will we choose to prepare not merely for tomorrow, but for eternity? —Marino J. Dasmarinas