There is always a response from Heaven for every act of kindness

2 Kgs 4:8-11. 14-16, Rom. 6:3-4.8-11, Mt. 10:37-42. On this Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the Church invites us to imitate the hospitality ministry of Jesus. He was constantly welcoming people, whether Jews or Gentiles, virtuous or sinners. Hospitality constitutes a major theme in the first reading and the Gospel. Jesus identifies what is done to others as done to Him even in those people in whom it is difficult to see any identification with Him. If we want a simple concrete proof of whether we love God or not then the way we love and welcome others is the direct proof. The first reading highlights the hospitality of the wealthy woman of Shunem to Elisha. The woman recognised Elisha as a holy man of God and treated him nicely, giving him a good accommodation. Later Elisha asked his servant: “Can something be done for her?” The answer was, “Yes! She has no son, and her husband is getting on in years.” Elisha prophesied: “This time next year you will be fondling a baby son.”

There is always a response from Heaven for every act of kindness we show to others especially for the sake of God. In today's Gospel, Jesus points out this fact when He said: "Whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." The basis of all hospitality is that we belong to one family and that every person is a brother or sister in a real and spiritual sense. The spirit of generosity calls for sensitivity on the side of the giver and receiver. Today, God is calling us to be sensitive to the needs of others. The Shunemites were sensitive to the needs of the prophet and responded accordingly. The prophet was also sensitive to the need of the woman and her husband. We should not allow people to cry and shed tears for us before we help them. Being sensitive also implies that we should not be a burden to those who are helping us. Instead of being a burden to the host family, Elisha rather contributed to their well-being, he started by asking “what can we do?” God is the first and ultimate giver. He gave us the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus. Paul in the second reading recalls that Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for our salvation and has made us one with Him through baptism. By baptism, we welcome Christ in our lives. However, we must also see Christ in others, especially the needy and welcome them.

May the Lord help us to experience true joy when we help others and may Heaven respond to our act of kindness to others! Amen!! Stay safe and save life, Jesus loves you, happy Sunday!!!