Kindness always comes back to us. The Shunammite woman observed that Elisha often passed by on his many journeys; so she and her husband had a small room built on the roof of their house where he could stay during his trips. Upon receiving this kindness, Elisha wanted to return the favour, and on discovering that she had no son, he called her and told her that she would give birth. And so it was. No act of kindness is ever lost.

In the same manner, many wish that they could do something for Jesus, for example, like welcoming Him. They desire to do so without realising that Jesus comes to them daily, often in the lowliest of society. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells them that in welcoming Him, they also welcome the One Who sent Him, that is, God Himself. Without realising it, when they do the simplest of things, like giving a cup of cold water to someone who needs it, they will be greatly rewarded for their kindness. Jesus also tells His followers that they must take up their cross, which means putting aside self and all the demands of the ego, and becoming the servant of all. Following Christ has to be number one on our list of priorities, and in doing so, we will be rewarded accordingly - reward of a prophet, holy man, etc.