and a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Each one will
have as enemies, those of one’s own family. 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 his cross and follow me, is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his
life will lose it; but whoever loses his life, for my sake, will find it. Whoever welcomes you,
welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes him who sent me. The one who welcomes
a prophet, as a prophet, will receive the reward of a prophet; the one who welcomes a just man,
because he is a just man, will receive the reward of a just man. And if anyone gives even a cup
of cold water to one of these little ones, because he is my disciple, I assure you, he will not go
unrewarded.” When Jesus had finished giving his twelve disciples these instructions, he went
on from there, to teach and to proclaim his message in their towns.

Reflect 

To teach and to proclaim.” Today’s Gospel passage contains the last verses of the missionary
instructions given by Jesus in the Matthean missionary discourse. There are two main points
worth reflecting on in this passage: first, the instruction that the missionaries must take up
their cross and follow Jesus, and second, by implication, the instruction to be the
missionaries worthy of reception as the Lord’s representatives. First, the missionaries sent by
Jesus must know their priorities. Jesus and his Gospel are at the top of the priorities. This implies
that the missionaries are called to have a good sense of sacrifice. Jesus and the Gospel first
before anything or anyone else. Everything will flow out from the missionary’s relationship
with the Lord. Second, the missionaries remain to be Jesus' representatives. Those
who would welcome them are also welcoming Jesus. Jesus further explained that
anyone who welcomes a just man because he is a righteous person will receive a just
man’s reward. By implication, the missionaries sent by Jesus are expected to exhibit the
righteousness shared with them by Jesus himself. By exercising righteousness, our
mission as Jesus’ disciples is already a half-done successful mission. As modern-day
missionaries, we are challenged to first and foremost exhibit righteousness.

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