13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

In the gospel for this coming Sunday we again encounter Jesus preparing his disciples for their mission. Previously he had warned them about the hostilities and divisions they would face from family, friends, and religious authorities. Nonetheless he admonishes the disciples, “do not be afraid of them.” 

In this week’s gospel he makes clear where the loyalties and commitments needs to be placed: “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 the same time, he holds out for them the rewards that awaits them if they will deny themselves, identify with Christ, count the costs, and radically align their lives with his mission.

There is a lot more to glean from this Sunday’s Gospel

Full Text of the Sunday Readings

Detailed Commentary on the Gospel