Homily of the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A: Welcome others, welcome Christ

Homily of the XIII Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A : Welcome others, welcome Christ First Reading 2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16a; Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:2-3,16-19; Second Reading Romans 6:3-4,8-11; Gospel Reading Matthew 10:37-42 Hospitality runs like a thread throughout all of Scripture. God consistently invites His people to welcome strangers, open their homes, and share what they possess. In the Old Testament, Abraham extended hospitality to unknown visitors and was blessed in return. Today, we hear of the Shunammite woman who welcomed the prophet Elisha into her home. Her generosity was not without reward; God fulfilled her deepest desires. This reminds us that hospitality is never wasted. When we give, God multiplies. In the Gospel, Jesus takes hospitality to a deeper level. He says that whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. This means that every act of welcome becomes an encounter with Christ himself. Hospitality is no longer just social courtesy. It becomes a spiritual act. When we open our hearts to others, we open our hearts to God. But Jesus also reminds us that discipleship demands dedication. To follow him means to put him at the centre of our lives. Hospitality begins first with welcoming Christ into our own hearts. As the Book of Revelation says, “I stand at the door and knock.” (Rev 3:19-20) Christ is always seeking entry into our lives. If we open ourselves to him, he transforms us and enables us to welcome others with love. In our daily lives, we have many chances to practise this virtue. It might be through a kind word, a listening ear, a shared meal, or a simple act of generosity. In a world where many feel alone and forgotten, hospitality becomes a powerful witness of God’s love. Pope Francis reminds us that “The Gospel tells us constantly to run the risk of a face-to-face encounter with others.” When we truly encounter others, we encounter Christ. This week, let us nurture the virtues of generosity, open-heartedness, kindness towards strangers, and attentiveness to those in need. Let us become individuals who welcome rather than exclude, who build bridges instead of walls. Prayer Lord Jesus, teach us to welcome you in every person we meet, open our hearts to love without limits, make our homes and communities places of peace and generosity, and help us to recognise your presence in others. Amen. #InVerboUnum #SundayHomilies #CatholicHomilies #Hospitality #WelcomeChrist