Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 10:34-11:1
Living the Gospel without half-measures

The Gospel of Matthew invites us to follow Jesus not halfway, but with our whole heart, even when it costs something. Jesus tells us, “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” Now, Jesus is not saying we should love our families less. No. He’s asking us to love Him first, so that our love for others may be true, purified, and fruitful. When we put family interests before truth and justice, as happens even in politics and the Church, love becomes distorted. But when love for Jesus comes first, then family, community, and even society itself are renewed.

Then Jesus adds: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” There is no love without sacrifice. Ask any mother, any father, who has carried burdens for the good of their children. The cross is not something to fear when we carry it with Jesus. He is close to us in every trial.

And here’s the beautiful paradox: “He who loses his life for my sake will find it.” We see this in the quiet sacrifices people are making every day—nurses, priests, volunteers, neighbours. Giving one’s life out of love—this is where joy is born.

Jesus also teaches us about God’s generosity. Even a cup of cold water given in love will not go unrewarded. I recall the story of a child who gave his savings to a priest for the poor. A little act, but great in God’s eyes. That is the Kingdom of God—made of small, hidden gestures of love.

Let us ask Mary, who followed Jesus all the way to the cross, to help us live with this courageous and generous love. It is the way of the Gospel. It is the way of joy.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025