Daily Reflection, June 28, 2026

13th Sunday in Ordinary time

Readings:

2 Kings 4:8-11,13-16
Romans 6:3-4,8-11
Matthew 10:37-42

Reflection:

The St Anthony in the Fields Welcome Song by Kevin Bates S.M. is one of the key themes in today’s readings:

Welcome to all who pass by here. Won’t you come in and see who we are, if you’re not staying long or have got time to spare know that you’re welcome here.

Love one another as I have loved you, you’ve heard it before but in our place it’ s true, our sharing in laughter and tears bread and wine, helps us remember the promise of Jesus the vine.

The joy that I give you, the suffering too, will let your eyes open to look beyond you. If a family is hungry or frozen with fear Tell them they’re welcome here.

Celebrate Sunday and right through the week fruitful the branches we are in our moments of struggle and moments of joy, there’s no telling how welcome you are.

The foundation stone St Anthony in the Fields parish is a welcoming community as are all Passionist centres of ministry today. The word ‘welcome’ repeated 6 times in 2 verses took my mind back to the years I spent as a member of the Passionist Community and parish team. Those years have had an enduring influence on my life and ministry, experiencing with the whole community the strengths, weaknesses and challenges that deepen our awareness of Christ’s compassionate presence in community life. 

I experienced ‘welcome’ in the gospel sense. Bread and wine, a cup of cold water was given to me which I in turn gave to others as I received. I came to know of occasions where families were hungry, of individuals frozen by fear. The community showed me ways of reaching out through Family Groups and Christmas Hampers and just being present when the word ‘welcome’ and a quiet listening presence is becomes a source of nourishment.

This is my experience emerging from my reading of the gospel. What is yours?

Here at St Josephs Hobart, a city church, we make ‘Welcoming ‘of visitors and parishioners our special care.  We gather to share the carrying of the cross. We can’t carry it alone. We ‘welcome’ strangers like Simon of Cyrene to carry it with us.

Peter Addicoat CP is a member of the Hobart Passionist Community.