Scripture
Matthew 10:34-11:1
Jesus said to his Apostles:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
“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; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Ignatian Reflection
Radical Hospitality
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me…”
The “welcome” described in the Gospel translation we hear at Mass is much more than a simple gesture or even an offer of food or drink. It comes on the heels of a graphic description of priorities for discipleship and finishes with an inference that the disciples had been taught what they need to know: practice radical hospitality, and Christ will be found by going out to others.
Theologian Letty Russell notes, “The word for hospitality in the Greek New Testament is philoxenia, love of the stranger. Its opposite is xenophobia, hatred of the stranger. From this it would seem that hospitality can be understood as solidarity with strangers, a mutual relationship of care and trust in which we share in the struggle for empowerment, dignity, and fullness of life.” (Just Hospitality; God's Welcome in a World of Difference by Letty M. Russell) This “welcome” is an attitude of heart that opens us to others and receives them on their own terms; accepts differences and honors shared humanity.
Current news has caused me to reflect on how essential the act of welcoming, a spirit of hospitality and a practice of philoxenia are to the wellbeing of the human family, and to consider my part in this current reality.
How do I welcome others, offer and receive hospitality, and how has it been withheld by me or others? What do mutual relationships of care and trust call for in this time? Is “welcome” the attitude of my heart?
—Ann Holmquist serves as the Vice President for Mission at Loyola High School of Los Angeles.
Ignatian Prayer
Jul 14, 2025
Prayer
On Meeting a Stranger
With respect
And reverence
That the unknown
Between us
Might flower
Into discovery
And lead us
Beyond
The familiar field
Blind with the weed
Of weariness
And the walls
Of habit.
—John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings
The Daily Examen is a prayer technique developed by St. Ignatius to help us reflect on the events of the day to discern God's presence and direction. When Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, he required the Jesuits to practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It's a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
The Examen structure presented below is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. Click here for more information from our partners in ministry at Loyola Press.
Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God's presence
God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude
God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions
God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it
God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow
As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
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