Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

June 28, 2026

13^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings today reveal the Lord’s promise of everlasting life anew when we devote ourselves to believing and following the ways of the Lord. They are a call to renew our faithfulness and commit anew to putting God above all, to love one another, and to turn away from sin.

We begin by reading the powerful message in the Book of Kings, where we see the reward granted to the generous woman in response to the hospitality she granted to the prophet Elisha when she welcomed and shared her home with him. In return, Elisha rewarded her generosity by telling her she would have the son she so desired.

The readings further remind us of the way to eternal life. When we are baptized into Christ and have shared in his death, we also share in his resurrection. Once again, we are assured of a new life where death has no power over us if we die to sin and strive to live our lives for God.

Matthew exhorts us to love God above all and challenges us to bear the crosses on earth, to follow the path God sets before us, and to forsake anything that comes between our earthly lives and the will of our Father. We are also reminded that part of this call is to give to the least of our brothers and sisters. Truly, this is a Gospel of hope and promise, proclaiming that our real reward is not earthly; rather, it is the open gate to heaven, welcoming us into the embrace of the Father.

Our Psalm today is one of praise and joy in grateful appreciation for the Lord’s blessings and promises. Let us sing a joyful song to our God, proclaiming his goodness, and once again affirm our intentions of being his faithful children.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for this day and for your words of promise. Bless my eyes and my heart to clearly see the path you have set before me that I may faithfully serve you in all I do. Amen.