MATTHEW 10:40-42; 11:1
REWARDS
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 10:40-42, Jesus concludes His instructions to the Twelve Apostles as He sends them out on their mission. These verses emphasize the profound connection between the disciples, Jesus Himself, and God the Father. Jesus highlights that those who welcome His disciples are, in essence, welcoming Him, and by extension, the Father who sent Him. This passage underscores the deep relationship between divine authority and the mission entrusted to the apostles, reflecting the unity of purpose and presence between Jesus and the Father. This idea would have resonated deeply with the Jewish audience, who understood the significance of representing a rabbi or prophet, as well as the blessings tied to such hospitality and recognition.
Historically, in Jewish culture, offering hospitality to travelers, especially those on a mission from God, was considered both a sacred duty and a privilege. Jesus amplifies this cultural practice by promising spiritual rewards not only to those who receive prophets and righteous men but even to those who offer the smallest act of kindness, like giving a cup of cold water to a disciple. In the present context, these verses remind us of the importance of supporting those who carry out God’s work, no matter how humble our contributions may seem. It teaches that in serving others, especially those who are spreading the Gospel, we are participating in the mission of Christ and aligning ourselves with the divine will.
Matthew 10:40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
In this passage, Jesus is addressing His apostles as He sends them on a mission to spread the Gospel. He highlights the deep connection between Himself, His disciples, and God the Father. This connection is foundational for understanding the Catholic Church’s view on the authority of the apostles, the unity of the Trinity, and the mission of the Church.
1. The Authority of the Apostles and Apostolic Succession:
Jesus grants His apostles authority, making them His representatives on earth. This forms the basis for the Catholic teaching on apostolic succession, where the authority given to the apostles is passed down through the bishops and the Pope, who continue to lead the Church. To “receive” the apostles, therefore, is to accept the teachings and authority of the Church, which acts in the name of Christ Himself (Jn 13:20). The Church’s teaching authority, rooted in the mission Jesus entrusted to His apostles, is an extension of His own authority.
2. The Unity of the Trinity:
This passage also reflects the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father. By receiving Jesus, we receive the Father who sent Him. This unity is at the heart of Christian faith, emphasizing that accepting Jesus and His message draws us into a relationship with God the Father. The Church teaches that through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive Christ and are united with the Father (CCC 1323).
3. The Importance of Hospitality and the Mission of the Church:
Jesus equates receiving His disciples with receiving Him, which highlights the importance of hospitality and openness to those who bring His message. This teaching resonates with Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40, where He identifies Himself with the “least of these” and stresses that acts of kindness toward others are acts of kindness toward Him. The mission of the Church, as the continuation of Christ’s mission, involves not only preaching the Gospel but also living out this Gospel through acts of love and service.
Reflection:
As Catholics, we are called to recognize and respect the authority of the Church, which continues Christ’s mission through the apostles’ successors. When we embrace the teachings of the Church, we are not merely following human doctrines but are receiving Christ Himself. This passage invites us to deepen our faith in the Church’s guidance and to be open and receptive to those who bring Christ’s message into our lives, whether they are clergy or laypeople.
Furthermore, this teaching challenges us to see Christ in others, especially in those who are less fortunate. Welcoming and supporting those in need is a way of welcoming Jesus Himself, as He identified with the “least of these” in society.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the apostles and their successors, who continue to guide us in faith. Help us to receive Your truth with open hearts, recognizing the authority of the Church as Your instrument of grace in the world. Strengthen our faith in Your presence through the sacraments, and grant us the wisdom to embrace those who bring Your Word into our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 10:41 “Whoever welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person because he is righteous will receive a righteous person’s reward.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of welcoming and supporting those who proclaim God’s word and live according to His will. The “prophet” represents those who speak God’s message, while the “righteous person” embodies those who live in accordance with God’s commandments.
Understanding the Role of a Prophet
A prophet is a person chosen by God to convey His words to the people. The Bible provides numerous examples of prophets, both in the Old and New Testaments. Prophets were God’s mouthpieces, delivering His messages through visions, dreams, and direct communication. For instance, God assured Moses that He would raise up prophets like him to speak His words (Deut 18:18-20). Prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah were given God’s words to speak directly to the people (Jer 1:9; Isa 51:16).
Prophets were also visionaries, foreseeing future events and guiding people back to God. They played crucial roles in addressing moral and religious abuses and directing Israel based on their acceptance or rejection of God’s message. The Bible mentions over 133 prophets, including major figures like Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, and John the Baptist, who were instrumental in shaping the spiritual direction of God’s people.
However, not all who claimed to be prophets were genuine. Jesus warned against false prophets, emphasizing the need for discernment (Mt 7:15; 24:24). True prophets, those who genuinely spoke God’s words, were to be welcomed and honored, as they carried the divine message.
Welcoming a Prophet and Receiving Their Reward
Jesus taught that those who welcome a prophet because of their prophetic role will share in the reward of that prophet. The apostles, who continued Jesus’ mission, were prophets in this sense, preaching the Gospel and performing miracles in His name. Those who welcomed them were, in essence, welcoming Jesus Himself and would be rewarded accordingly (Col 3:23-24).
The Righteous Person in Biblical Context
A “righteous person” in the Bible is someone who lives faithfully according to God’s will. Figures like Noah, Abraham, and Joseph are examples of individuals characterized by their righteousness. The righteousness of these individuals was not just about following rules but embodying a life of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In the context of Jesus sending out His apostles, the righteous work they performed through acts of mercy and miracles was an extension of their mission to spread the Gospel.
Welcoming a righteous person means acknowledging and supporting their righteous deeds, which aligns with God’s plan. Those who support such individuals will also share in their spiritual reward, reflecting the Catholic understanding that acts of charity and support for God’s servants are integral to living a Christian life (Mt 16:27).
Catholic Interpretation and Application
The Catholic Church teaches that this passage highlights the spiritual value of hospitality and support for those who spread the Gospel. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 738), the Church’s mission is to announce and spread the mystery of communion with the Holy Trinity. Supporting those who are directly involved in this mission – such as priests, missionaries, and lay leaders—is a way for all believers to participate in the Church’s evangelizing work.
The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity also emphasizes the laity’s role in cooperating with the hierarchy in the Church’s mission (Apostolicam Actuositatem, 24). By welcoming and supporting those who dedicate their lives to God’s service, the faithful share in the spiritual rewards associated with the work of the Church.
Reflection
As Christians, we are called to recognize and honor those who speak God’s word and live according to His will. This means more than just offering hospitality; it involves actively supporting and encouraging those who work for the Kingdom of God. Whether it’s through listening, providing material support, or offering spiritual encouragement, our actions can have a significant impact on the mission of the Church. In doing so, we not only assist in spreading the Gospel but also grow in our own faith and share in the rewards promised by God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to recognize and welcome Your messengers in our lives. Help us to support those who dedicate their lives to proclaiming Your word and living according to Your will. May we share in the rewards of their faithfulness, growing closer to You through their example. Strengthen us to live righteous lives so that we may be a witness to others and draw them closer to Your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 10:42 “And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple – amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the significance of even the smallest acts of kindness shown to His disciples. The phrase “little ones” likely refers to His followers, particularly those who are humble, vulnerable, or marginalized. By offering something as simple as a cup of cold water to sustain a disciple, one not only participates in Christ’s mission but also earns a heavenly reward.
Historically, offering hospitality and charity was a highly esteemed practice in Jewish culture. For instance, when Abraham’s servant sought a wife for Isaac, Rebekah’s act of providing water for both the servant and his animals was seen as a sign of her generous spirit (Gen 24:1-28). Similarly, during the Israelites’ desert journey, God miraculously provided water from a rock, highlighting the importance of such a life-sustaining gift (Ex 17:1-7; Num 20:7-11).
Jesus builds on this tradition by promising a reward for even the smallest gesture of kindness – such as giving a cup of cold water – to one of His disciples. This reward is not merely a transactional exchange but a reflection of God’s grace and favor. It underscores the Catholic teaching that faith must be expressed through works (Jm 2:14-26) and that even the simplest acts of charity carry eternal significance.
Theological Context:
The Catholic Church teaches that charity is one of the theological virtues (CCC 1822), meaning it originates from God and leads us back to God. Jesus’ statement in Matthew 10:42 aligns with this teaching by highlighting that even minor acts of charity performed out of love for His disciples are, in essence, acts of love towards Christ Himself. This concept is further reinforced in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Supporting Christ’s missionaries or His humble followers, even in small ways, is seen as participating in the work of evangelization. The Catechism affirms that such acts of charity merit the graces needed for our sanctification and eternal life (CCC 2010). As St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught in her “Little Way,” we can sanctify the ordinary moments of life through love, transforming even the smallest gesture into an act of discipleship.
Reflection:
This verse calls us to recognize the profound impact of small acts of kindness in our daily lives. How often do we overlook opportunities to serve others, thinking our actions are too insignificant? Jesus’ words remind us that no act of love is too small in God’s eyes. Every gesture of kindness, no matter how minor, contributes to building the Kingdom of God and will be rewarded in heaven.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see You in our brothers and sisters. Help us to respond generously to the needs of others, no matter how small. May we never underestimate the power of simple acts of kindness done in Your name. Grant us the grace to serve You faithfully in the little things of each day. Amen.
Matthew 11:1 “When Jesus had finished giving these commands to his twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.”
This verse marks an important transition in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus has just finished instructing His twelve apostles (Mt 10:5-42), sending them on their first mission to preach the Kingdom of God. Now, as we see in Matthew 11:1, Jesus Himself continues His ministry of teaching and preaching in the towns of Galilee, where many of His disciples are from. This signifies not only a shift in Jesus’ actions but also in the narrative focus of the Gospel itself.
The mention of “their towns” refers to the towns of the disciples, symbolizing Jesus’ connection with their personal lives and the collective mission that they are now a part of. In this context, rabbis in Jewish tradition would gather disciples and teach them as they traveled from town to town. Jesus follows this rabbinic custom but takes it a step further by empowering His apostles to preach and heal in His name, marking a new era in how God’s Word is proclaimed.
Catholic Understanding of Jesus’ Role:
In this passage, the Catholic Church emphasizes several key points:
1. Jesus as the Divine Teacher:
Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate teacher, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah (Isa 30:20-21) about a Messiah who would teach with authority. He not only instructs His apostles but continues to teach the people directly. Jesus’ teaching authority is central to the Church’s understanding of His divine role.
2. The Apostolic Mission:
Jesus sends out the apostles to preach, marking the beginning of their ministry. This moment lays the foundation for apostolic succession, where the bishops, as successors of the apostles, are entrusted with the Church’s teaching authority. As described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 862), “The bishops have by divine institution taken the place of the apostles as pastors of the Church.” This ensures that the teachings of Christ are preserved and passed down through generations, continuing the apostolic mission.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven:
Jesus’ central message throughout His ministry, as noted in Matthew 4:17, is, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” His preaching is a call to conversion and the acceptance of God’s reign. This proclamation of the Kingdom remains central to the Church’s mission today, and every Christian is called to share in this mission of evangelization.
Reflection:
This passage invites us to reflect on our role in continuing the mission of Jesus and the apostles. Christ’s work did not end with the apostles – it continues through the Church today. As disciples, we are called to be both students of Christ’s teachings and active participants in His mission. We are tasked with sharing the Good News in our own “towns,” meaning in our homes, communities, workplaces, and daily interactions.
Jesus’ example shows us that evangelization is not confined to formal preaching. It happens in our everyday lives, through our words and actions. Every Christian is called to witness to the Gospel by living out the values of Christ in love, compassion, and truth.
Questions for Reflection:
– How are we living out our call to discipleship?
– Do we see ourselves as active participants in Jesus’ mission, just as the apostles were?
– How can we be more intentional in sharing the Good News with others through our actions and conversations?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Divine Teacher, You have called us to be Your disciples, and You continue to instruct us through Your Word and the teachings of the Church. We ask for the grace to be attentive to Your instruction, to live out Your teachings, and to courageously proclaim Your Kingdom to others. Help us, like the apostles, to be faithful to Your call and to share Your love and truth in the world. May we, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, be instruments of Your peace and witnesses to the power of Your Gospel in our daily lives. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Matthew 10:40-42 highlights the profound interconnectedness between Jesus, His disciples, and God the Father. This passage stresses the significance of welcoming those who carry out God’s work, emphasizing that by receiving them, we are welcoming Christ Himself and, in turn, the Father who sent Him. Jesus assures us that even the smallest acts of kindness, such as offering a cup of cold water to one of His disciples, will not go unrewarded. This teaching calls us to embrace the mission of the Church with open hearts, recognizing that every gesture of support, no matter how small, contributes to the spread of the Gospel and aligns us with God’s divine will.
As Christians, we are reminded that the mission of Christ continues through the Church, and we are called to participate in this mission through acts of charity and hospitality. By supporting those who dedicate their lives to spreading the Gospel, we share in their spiritual rewards and draw closer to God. This passage encourages us to see Christ in others, especially in those who are less fortunate, and to serve them with love and humility. In doing so, we not only fulfill our Christian duty but also grow in our relationship with God, who rewards even the smallest acts of kindness.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the privilege of being part of His mission through the Church. Help us to recognize Your presence in those who carry Your Word and to support them with generous hearts. May our small acts of kindness reflect Your love and bring us closer to You. Strengthen our faith, and guide us to serve others with humility and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.