MONDAY, FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of St Teresa los Andes
Is 1: 10-17 Ps 50: 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23 Mt 10:34–11:1
CHOOSING CHRIST ABOVE ALL
The words of Jesus in this Gospel may sound difficult and unsettling. We often imagine Jesus bringing comfort and peace, yet here He speaks of division, sacrifice, and the cross. Christ is not encouraging hatred within families; rather, He reminds us that true discipleship demands total commitment. Sometimes choosing truth, justice, forgiveness, and faithfulness to God can create misunderstanding even among those closest to us. Many people experience this in daily life. A young woman once decided to dedicate time every weekend to serving abandoned elderly people in a care home. Her family criticized her, saying she was wasting her time instead of focusing on her career and life. Though hurt by their words, she continued serving with love and patience. Years later, she shared that those moments of sacrifice brought her closer to purpose in Christ. By carrying her small cross faithfully, she discovered a deeper joy and peace.
Jesus tells us, “Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me.” The cross is not only suffering; it is every act of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and fidelity that costs us something. It may mean standing for honesty when others choose corruption, remaining faithful in prayer during spiritual dryness, forgiving someone who deeply hurts us, or choosing kindness when it is easier to remain indifferent.
St Teresa of Avila faced criticism and opposition while reforming the Carmelite Order, yet she spoke with unwavering faith and courage, trusting that God would help to complete the work. St John of the Cross endured much suffering, but he never stopped proclaiming God’s love through prayer, silence, and total surrender to Christ. St Thérèse of Lisieux embraced hidden sacrifices with childlike trust, teaching that even the smallest acts done with great love become precious in God’s eyes. Holiness is found not only in extraordinary deeds, but also in simple daily actions, and quiet sacrifices offered wholeheartedly to God.
Response: To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
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