Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. ‘Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’

Jesus’ words today are challenging, but they’re meant to draw us closer to his heart. He asks us to put him above even our closest relationships, not so we love our families less, but so we love him more. When we centre our lives on Christ, our love for others deepens and grows more authentic. Taking up our cross is a daily task: it means choosing faith, kindness and forgiveness, even when it’s difficult. It’s easy to cling to comfort and certainty, but Jesus promises that when we surrender, when we “lose our lives” for his sake, we discover a deeper and lasting peace.

Jesus, also reminds us of the power of welcome. When we receive others with openness and compassion, we are truly receiving Christ. Even the smallest act, like offering a cup of cold water, matters deeply to him. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, unnoticed kindness that reflects God’s love most clearly. Jesus assures us that no act of love, no matter how small, is forgotten by God.

This passage calls us to trust, to put Christ first, and to notice him in those we meet, especially the vulnerable or overlooked. Our daily choices, our moments of sacrifice and welcome, are ways we live out his love. As you go through this week, I encourage you to ask God for strength to follow him wholeheartedly, and for tenderness to welcome others as you would welcome Christ himself. In this, we find true life and the reward Jesus promises.

What kindness can you extend to another today?