The theme of the extract from 2 Kings in our first reading this week is that hospitality to God’s servants is richly rewarded, as Jesus declares in the final verse of today’s Gospel.
The message from Matthew’s Gospel this week falls into two parts: the first is full of challenge; the second full of promise. Jesus insists that the cross and self-sacrifice are the only path to life. The assurances that follow arise from the intimate bond that links “little ones” and the disciples to Jesus and Jesus to the Father. Together they form a community that transcends earthly relationships. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding kindness and mercy towards us. The love of God compels us to choose who or what will be first in our lives.

Who or what takes first place in my life – in my daily plans, thoughts, cares, and concerns?