Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.

Anyone who gives even a cup of water will be rewarded. Whoever welcomes a child, in the name of the Lord, welcomes the Lord.

These words make following Jesus so very simple. And in many ways it is. Jesus has told us and has shown us the way. Our task is to take up the way, the truth, and the life that is Jesus himself.

We have been united to Christ through baptism and so we belong to him. We are of the household of God, the Body of Christ. We are no longer just solitary individuals. What Christ has done for one, he has done for all of us. That means He is highly valued, consecrated, and dedicated to the Lord.

And so we are united to each other, called to assist one another in whatever way we can, by just offering a cup of water. Offering refreshment can take on many forms: giving food to the hungry and drink to the thirsty, visiting the imprisoned, or caring for the sick. What you do for all of these you do for me.

But there is also a caution not to cause another to stumble; not to lead someone else astray; not to get in the way of God’s grace reaching a brother or sister.
We are urged to do all that we can to build up one another. All the good we seek to do is an attempt to build up our sisters and brothers in Christ’s body.

Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB