Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
28 June 2026
First Reading: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Gospel: Matthew 10:37-42
Reflection
By: Anabelle Balla
I know I’m not perfect, and honestly, I know I’m not worthy of all the blessings God keeps pouring out. But I’ve learned that it was never really about me in the first place. It’s about Him—His mercy, His grace, and His generosity.
God doesn’t ask us to prove ourselves or meet a set of qualifications before He calls us. He simply asks us to love Him and follow Him. To do good whenever we can, whether those actions feel big or small. To support His church, His people, and His work in the simple ways available to us. Somehow, those small acts always end up meaning more than we expect.
When I look at my life, I see how much of it has been shaped by God’s grace. I came from very humble beginnings, but I was blessed with parents who lived with integrity. They weren’t religious, but they were kind, honest, and generous. Even when we didn’t have much, they always found a way to give something to others. Growing up, I didn’t realize it then, but now I see how those moments quietly taught me what faith and love look like in action.
I’ve also learned that discipleship doesn’t have to be loud or impressive. It doesn’t have to be grand. You don’t have to be famous, highly educated, or even deeply religious. What really matters is choosing to love, to care, and to avoid harming others—or the environment around us. Sometimes discipleship shows up in the simplest choices we make every day. And in those quiet, faithful moments, God does the rest.
Prayer
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Song by Matt Redman
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
You're rich in love and You're slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
So bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name (bless You, Lord)
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore (forevermore)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name (c'mon)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Yes, I will worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I will worship Your holy name
Worship Your holy name
