In His Name
Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
My dear encountered couples:
When Jesus speaks of us or others being like children in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven, he is often speaking of trusting God as children trust their parents. But here, Jesus speaks of welcoming a child. He is speaking not only of children of God, those who have accepted Christ, but he is speaking of everyone — of every human being.
Be hospitable towards everyone, not just a select few. By hospitality is not meant only the hospitality that is shown when inviting someone into our homes. It is the hospitality shown to anyone when we smile, speak, listen to them. It is the acceptance of any person as important, valuable, special. No matter who or what they appear to be, no matter what they can do, they are loved by God. It is hospitality and acceptance into the home of your heart that Jesus speaks of.
And what should be the motive for this acceptance? It is found in the statement of Jesus. “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”
“IN MY NAME.” It is because Jesus wants us to, that we do it, not for any gain we might get out of it, nor because we are at the time filled with any altruistic feelings moving us to reach out. We are to do it for Jesus’ sake … in his Name. What better reason could we find for doing anything?
