Readings: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 13-16a, Romans 6:3-4, 8-11, Matthew 10:37-42

“FROM MY FAMILY TO GOD’S FAMILY: LIVING THE NEW LIFE OF HOSPITALITY, DISCIPLESHIP, AND MISSION”

 

Dear Family of Our Lady of Light,

Today’s Gospel presents a challenging perspective from Jesus: "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me" [Matthew 10:37]. While family is central to our lives, our first experience of love and belonging, Jesus isn't dismissing this bond. Instead, He invites us to expand our love to include the broader family of God. Today’s readings remind us of this beautiful journey: hospitality brings blessings, baptism leads to new life, and discipleship connects us. Let’s embrace this invitation to see and love one another as part of God's larger family!

 

Hospitality Opens the Door to God's Blessing

In the First Reading, a wealthy woman from Shunem recognises something special in the prophet Elisha. She says, "I know that he is a holy man of God." In response, she and her husband prepare a space for him in their home. Their hospitality is simple yet profound; they provide a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. This act of kindness transforms into a divine blessing, as, despite being childless and advanced in years, they receive the gift of a son. 

The Shunammite woman teaches us an important lesson: when we make room for God, God creates something new within us. As St. Benedict wrote, "Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ." True hospitality transcends merely opening a door; it requires opening our hearts.

As a parish family, we must reflect on our welcome: Do newcomers feel embraced among us? Do young people sense they belong? Are the elderly remembered and valued? Do the poor find compassion? Do those struggling with their faith receive understanding rather than judgment? A parish thrives not just because people attend Mass but because they experience Christ's welcome through His people. Pope Francis often reminds us: "The Church is not a customs office; it is the Father's house where there is a place for everyone."  May Our Lady of Light become, like the home of the Shunammite woman, a place where all find room in their hearts and a seat at the table.

Baptism Gives Us a New Identity

In the Second Reading, St. Paul delves deeper into our Christian identity: “We were buried with Christ through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might live in newness of life” [Romans 6:4]. Baptism is far more than a mere ceremony of the past; it is the bedrock of our Christian identity. Through Baptism, we die with Christ, we rise with Him, sin loses its power over us, and we become cherished members of God's family. Many people perceive Christianity as just an effort to be good. However, it encompasses so much more; it is about sharing in Christ's own life. St. Athanasius famously remarked, “God became man so that man might become god.” This profound statement underscores that through Christ, we partake in God's divine life. The baptised are called to live in a transformative way: to forgive rather than seek revenge, to serve instead of dominate, to love instead of hate, and to hope instead of despair.

 

Today, young people encounter immense pressures from the need to fit in, to succeed, and to define themselves through popularity, appearance, or achievement. Yet St. Paul reminds us that our identity runs much deeper: we belong to Christ. Before being identified as a student, athlete, professional, or social media user, we are first and foremost beloved children of God. While the world advocates, “Create yourself,” the Gospel invites us to “Receive your true self in Christ.”

 Jesus Expands Our Understanding of Family

The Gospel invites us to expand our understanding of love. Jesus doesn’t call us to love our families less; instead, He compels us to love everyone more. His vision of family transcends biological ties, embracing every human being as a potential brother or sister. This is why Jesus identifies with the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, the imprisoned, and the forgotten. He teaches us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” [Matthew 25:40]. 

When Jesus states, “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me,” He invites us into a love that extends beyond our comfort zones. The cross represents not merely suffering but self-giving love. St. Augustine beautifully encapsulates this by saying, “Love, and do what you will.” True Christian love inherently moves outward, seeking the welfare of others.

In our culture, we often find encouragement to prioritise ourselves: our success, our comfort, our families, and our futures. Yet the Gospel challenges us with questions like: What about our neighbours? What about the lonely? What about the refugees? The unemployed? The individuals who go unnoticed? Christian discipleship broadens our circles. As St. John Chrysostom wisely observed, “If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.”

Even the simplest acts of kindness Matter

In Matthew 10:42, Jesus reminds us, “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” You don’t need to perform miracles or become a renowned saint to make a difference. Small gestures, such as offering encouragement, visiting the sick, or teaching a child to pray, can create a lasting impact. As Mother Teresa wisely stated, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Every act of kindness matters!

What This Means for the Family of Our Lady of Light

Today's readings encourage us to nurture a thriving community that welcomes, lives, loves, and serves. Inspired by the Shunammite Woman, we are called to open our hearts wide and create a space for Christ in everyone who enters our parish. As baptised individuals, we acknowledge our journey of dying and rising with Christ and step into a transformative way of life. In the spirit of Jesus, we expand our definition of family to embrace all of God's children, moving beyond mere biological ties to foster deeper connections. Following the example set by the Saints, we dedicate ourselves to performing even the smallest acts of kindness with immense love, recognising that each gesture has the power to make a difference. Together, let’s build a community that truly reflects these values!

 

In conclusion, family of Our Lady of Light, as we prepare to pray "Our Father," we embrace a profound truth: God is the Father of all, making every person our brother or sister. The Eucharist reminds us of this unity. Let’s strive to be a community marked by hospitality, discipleship, and mission—where our doors and hearts are open to everyone. In losing ourselves in love for Christ and others, we truly find life. Amen.

 

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and warmly congratulate all the graduates of the Class of 2026, as well as their families. May the Lord of all blessings guide your paths.

Fr. Erick Balderas Vega M.Afr and Fr. Henry Byamukama M.Afr