Commentary on the Gospel of
To be worthy of Jesus
Faith in Jesus is always challenging. Faith could be a battle within ourselves – because our faith would demand us to do away with our selfishness. Faith in God cannot coexist with desires for wealth, power, and pleasure. We may also face situations and people who attempt to dissuade us from our faith. Our workplaces or work schedules may not be suitable for us to practice faith, and in some instances, society or the people in authority could prevent us from practising faith.
In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus cautions us about this struggle. Our belief in Jesus can lead to misunderstandings or rejection within our family and closest circles. Many families today feel the temptation to avoid discussing matters of faith in order to preserve family harmony. Without realizing it, this lack of faith in God is the primary reason for unhappiness and lack of peace in our modern families.
The text discusses the demands of discipleship presented in Matthew's Gospel, which was written during a time of persecution. The purpose of the Gospel was to encourage persecuted Christians by reminding them to stand firm in their faith in Jesus, regardless of external support, protection, or material security.
In the latter part of the passage (vv. 40-42), an extraordinary pledge is offered to those who receive preachers of the Gospel. "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me" (v. 40). Not everyone has been endowed with identical qualities and abilities from God. Every genuine believer is summoned to assist those who devote themselves to spreading the Gospel, albeit in varying ways, yet with equal generosity.
