Arulvakku

11.07.2020 — Transformed to be like Jesus

14th Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 11th July 2020 — Gospel: Mt 10,24-33

Transformed to be like Jesus

Matthew continues the theme of disciples imitating their master. Jesus says, “No disciple is above his teacher.” They are not, nor will they ever be, as great as master-teacher. However, he does make a qualification: the disciple is to be like Jesus, the master and teacher. He reminds them that their identity is inextricably united with his. In our relationship with the master-teacher we begin to see who we are – sinful, worthless creatures, disciples and servants – and who the Lord is – perfect, creator, teacher and master. Jesus is the master-teacher on whom the servants-students are called to model their lives. But first Jesus offers a warning: whatever fate awaits the master-teacher also awaits their disciples and slaves. If Israel’s elites call Jesus “the prince of demons” (9,34; 12,24), the disciples should be ready for a similar response. Yet, the importance of the disciple is far superior to that of the birds of the air, for we are loved and cared for by God. Everything that happens in this universe is under the loving gaze of God. Nothing in our life is meaningless, because the Lord knows and loves us individually – he knows the number of hairs on our heads and he promises that we are “worth more than many sparrows.” The disciples’ importance comes not from what they say and do, but from the one whom they imitate and who is sending them into his mission. The disciples are called to transform themselves like Jesus. We will be transformed when we go about doing good, accepting rejection and suffering, sharing love and blessing as Jesus did despite obstacles.