The story of Elisha and the couple from Shunem (2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a), together with Jesus’ teaching in today’s Gospel (Matthew 10:37-42), provides context for my reflection with you this weekend. Although the readings appear to emphasize acts of kindness toward the messengers of the Gospel, such as prophets, priests, and religious men and women, the broader message extends to all who dedicate themselves to promoting the good and well-being of others. For this reason, I extended God’s blessings as prophesied in those readings to everyone who serves the common good, including, but not limited to, religious and healthcare workers, educators, social service providers, truck drivers, street cleaners, and many others whose daily work enriches our communities.
Goodness does not discriminate. As the saying goes, “What is good for the goose is good for the gander.” While the Scriptures give particular attention to those engaged in religious ministry, perhaps because their service is not always recognized or rewarded in the same way as others, the underlying message is universal. We all share the responsibility of supporting God’s work and advancing the common good, and, except for benefits or remuneration defined in the terms of specific engagements or contracts, we should do so without expecting anything in return. When the woman of Shunem and her husband prepared a room for the Prophet Elisha, today’s Scripture never suggests that they acted in anticipation of a reward. But they received an unexpected blessing, teaching us that often, it is our selfless generosity that opens the door to God’s blessings in varied forms.
As I reflected on Christ’s promises to those who wholeheartedly devote themselves to serving others, I found a beautiful illustration in the story of the Shunammite family. Beyond the blessing they received, however, lies an even greater reward: the deep satisfaction that comes from bringing hope to others, putting smiles on their faces, and helping them feel welcomed and at home in situations that might otherwise seem frightening, uncertain, or lonely.
These readings point to one clear message for all of us this weekend, namely, that we are all called to collaborate on works that transform our communities by placing the needs of others alongside, and often before, our own. As chosen people, God has entrusted us with helping lead others out of darkness into God’s marvelous light (Romans 6:3-4, 8-11; 1 Peter 2:9). In many ways, the work of a priest or prophet is not unlike that of a teacher, a sanitation worker, a nurse, or countless others who faithfully serve different people in different settings. Every vocation has the potential to become a channel of God’s love, and it depends on how we choose to dispense it. Therefore, let us encourage one another to value our work, to bring joy and hope to those we serve, and, through our lives, to help all people sing of the goodness of God (Psalm 89:2).
