Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday of the fourteenth week in ordinary time, July 10, 2026

Delivered by Vina Kuesal from the Holy Trinity Parish in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia. Hosea 14: 2-10; Rs psalm 51: 3-4.8-9.12-13.14.17; Matthew 10: 16-23.PREPARE FOR THE RISK Our meditation today has the theme: Preparing for theRisk. There were two teenagers, brother and sister, who went shopping for theirschool bags. The sister who is older bought her bag that was cheaper, while heryounger brother bought his that was more expensive. The cheaper bag had pocketsfor keeping the tupperware water or food and other items such as umbrella andobjects for playing.                                        The more expensive bag looked beautiful in shape andcolor but did not have pockets for keeping the tupperware and umbrella. Thebrother realized the importance of the bag as his sister bought, so he returnedto the shop to change it with the same bag as his sister had. We see that thetwo teenagers really foresaw the risks they would face when they returned toschool in the beginning of the new school year. The risk for the Israelites described by the prophetHosea was the trouble they had to face as the consequence of their sins againstthe Lord. If they wished a renewal, a better and a new life, all they had to dowas to abandon their old life that was in the bondage of sins, then returned tosay words of regret and then repent in the face of God. That was a kind of riskwhich was easy to say or teach, but was difficult to put into practice. In today's Gospel, we see Jesus made a list of risksand dangers that already awaited His disciples who were sent on His behalf. Themost serious thing was that they must suffer all forms of persecution likeJesus Christ himself experienced. They were expected to always ready for anygiven situation even to experience the loss of their lives. Actually Jesus isconvincing us that the risk is very useful for our faithfulness in thefollowing of His call for all of us. This is the price of our being called andchosen by Him. So the nature of our motivation is actually spiritual. Prepare for the risk is different from fighting therisk. Prepare for the risk shows that someone is calm, optimistic, confidentand in good will for whatever risk  hewill face. If the risks are severe and unpredictable, he will face withenthusiasm and willingness. If the risk is small, he does not underestimate orrelax with it. Whereas fighting the risk is related to reaction and resistanceto the risks already noticed. It is here when clashes or conflicts can occurbetween the opposing parties. For us, preparation or vigilance is our priority. Thescriptures always advise us to always be alert and attentive to the signs fromGod because in front of us are many risks already awaiting. When we choose tohave faith in Jesus Christ and decide to live out with responsibility ourpersonal vocations, we must prepare for the risks. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus Christ, may we always beprepared and be aware of any risks we will face in the path of our mission toheed and fulfill Your call for each of us. Our Father who art in heaven... Inthe name of the Father ...