Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot

Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.

We will be judged by how we do God’s Will and treat others. We are all called to be prophets of the truth, to be righteous in word and deed, and to give to those in need. Likewise, we should recognize others who do these things and do everything we can to encourage and support them. When we welcome them into our lives, we also welcome all the goods they do. It doesn’t matter how little or great our acts of charity or mercy might be, God sees the love behind the actions and gives us a share in the rewards. Love multiplies no matter how much we give away. We can never run out of it as long as we continue to offer it to others.

How do we receive others? Do we treat them with respect, love, and mercy? What do we do to support those who do the right thing in their lives?

O Lord, we promise to welcome your children into our hearts and with them, you.

Amen.