Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2026)
Sunday, June 28, 2026
The prophet Elisha was a follower and disciple of Elijah who was called and empowered to be his prophetic successor. Today’s Old Testament reading presents an account of Elisha and a wealthy woman from Shunem who recognizes Elisha as a holy man of God. She persuades her husband to prepare a little room for Elisha, furnishing it with a bed, table, chair, and lamp. St. John Chrysostom, a 4th-century priest and later a Doctor of the Church, noted that hospitality offered with zeal and readiness is to receive Christ Himself. This is both practical and symbolic. Practical because Elisha now has a place to rest when he passes through. Symbolic because the woman made room for the word and power of God to dwell in her household. The story suggests that prophetic ministry depends not only on the prophet’s gift but also on the willingness of others to receive that gift. The Shunamite woman’s house becomes a home where divine presence is recognized and welcomed. In return, Elisha promises the childless woman and her old husband that they’ll have a son.
Saint Paul in the New Testament reading ties our baptism into Christ’s death: “We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.” —Romans 6:4. Our baptism is real participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, and it gives believers newness of life.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus takes discipleship beyond private spirituality that is detached from the world and our place in it. He speaks of love and family bonds in deliberately uncompromising terms: “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.” —Matthew 10:37. Jesus is not suggesting that families are evil or unworthy of our love and care. In fact, we are commanded to honor parents. What Jesus is driving at is ordered love and our highest loyalty to Him. Even more, Jesus goes on to describe the cost of discipleship: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” —v. 38. He also uses a paradox: “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” — v. 39. Jesus does not conclude this section in the Gospel with these harsh words but adds, “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” —v. 40. This is a clear and unmistakable connection to today’s Old Testament reading. The Shunammite woman created a room, furnished it, and offered a place to dwell. Elisha’s presence was received through hospitality. Jesus now brings forth that principle for his disciples: receiving those sent by Christ is receiving Christ, and receiving Christ is receiving the Father.
Is Jesus at the center of my life, or is He just a helpful companion? Does my household organize itself around Christ as Lord? The readings raise these questions today and invite us to examine our hearts and make needed adjustments to our priorities.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.