Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – June 28, 2026 Sr. Maureen O’Brien, SNDdeN Matthew 10: 37-42 Matthew’s gospel, the first in the New Testament, focuses on the ministry of Jesus and his fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 10:37-42, known as ‘the missionary discourse’, draws us into an upper room in Capernaum, where Jesus is preparing his 12 Apostles for their lives in mission and their living out of his call to them to be disciples. Some of Matthew’s words sound harsh in this Gospel. He states unequivocally that the price of true discipleship is the choice of Jesus before parents, family, and friends. I believe, that during his transformation from a tax collector to an enthusiastic disciple, what he witnessed during Jesus’ years of ministry, what he heard and saw shaped his understanding. Not one of the other three Evangelists shares Matthew’s opinion. They have other concerns, other words of advice about discipleship. Mark fears that the Apostles have not understood Jesus’ teachings. Luke does not want the Apostles to exclude women from discipleship. John always sees love as the motivating force in all that Jesus taught and did. This year as […]