FIRST READING
2 Kings 4:8—11, 14—16a
2 Kings 4:8—11, 14—16a
SECOND READING
Romans 6:3—4, 8—11
Romans 6:3—4, 8—11
GOSPEL
Matthew 10:37—42
Matthew 10:37—42
THEME:
SHOW THE CHRISTIAN IDENTITY.
Elisha
is a prophet who came after Elijah. Elijah was fighting war against the worship
of Baal in Israel, then Elisha was his servant. After the fight and the
conquer, Elijah left the work of bringing back the people of Israel back to God
for Elisha to do. This was what he was doing when he came to Shunem. The
certain woman in Shunem is today showing us the first example of identity of a
true Christian.
In
the second reading, St. Paul is also reminding us of our identity as
Christians. Christ died once to sin and he will not die again we too died for
sin through our baptism in Christ Jesus. We should sin no more for we are in
Christ Jesus. Those who are in Christ Jesus should be holy for he himself is
holy and any unclean thing will not enter the kingdom.
In
the Gospel, Jesus is telling us that we should love him above every other thing
in this world. During Stations of the Cross, we say this always without even
meditating on what we say often. I love thee Jesus above all things! I repent
with my whole hearts of having offended thee, never permit me to separate
myself from thee again, grant that I may love thee always and then, do with me
all thy Wilt. The emphasis is on the first part of it, where we say, we
love thee above all things. We always claim that we love God but we hate his creatures
especially our fellow human beings. What a contradiction?