14th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, July 10, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

“Challenges of the Mission of Jesus”: Jesus proclaimed to His Apostles and us; that when we “serve with Him in His Father’s Mission of Salvation, we will, like Him; face much pain and persecution. Ponder on, “However, Jesus assures us, ‘Do not worry; the Holy Spirit will always be Present. He will empower us with His Wisdom of Truth, Fidelity and trust in Him.”

Matthew 10:16-20, 22

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be cunning as snakes and yet innocent as doves. 

‘Be prepared for people to hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as evidence to them and to the gentiles. But when you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you. 

‘You will be universally hated on account of my name; but anyone who stands firm to the end will be saved.’ 

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • Jesus tell his disciples to be cunning as snakes and yet innocent as doves. He wants us to be alert to perceive the possible dangers and deceptions of our “enemies” who want to “destroy” God’s work and the good of our life. 
  • Jesus never hesitated to openly challenge His apostles to face the crosses they have to carry as a condition of following Him. Thus, Jesus says to His apostles, “You will be hated on account of My name.”
  • It is a great privilege to follow in the footsteps of the Master who laid down his life for us.  Thus, with God’s graces we are to find meaning through sufferings.  Are you willing to accept sufferings in following Jesus?