“And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

Matthew 10:37-42

A simple act of kindness means we will not lose our reward and be included in the kingdom of heaven. 

Jesus sent his disciples to the people to carry on with his mission of bringing the good news. Those who believed in Jesus and kindly received his disciples would be rewarded. An act as small as giving a cup of cold water was honouring the disciples and, in turn, honouring Jesus.

In our society, there are many people in need. A beggar asks for whatever can be spared and shared at almost every street corner. People have taken it upon themselves to direct traffic at busy intersections during load shedding, hoping for a small token of thanks. On my drive to work in the early morning, the pavements are littered with the homeless sleeping under plastic sheets and cardboard boxes in the bus shelters or against shop windows.

In this text, Jesus assures us that the smallest extension of kindness and mercy to the marginalised will not go unnoticed. In this instance, a cup of cold water. Jesus was emphasising the importance of assisting those carrying out his mission. Offering a cup of cold water to his disciples was possible for everyone; water was not expensive. Everyone could offer this. Nothing we do for others is nothing too small or insignificant. There are no barriers to serving Jesus and those who carry out his mission.

What can you learn from this simple act of kindness? Reflect on the many kind gestures that fill your life.
 

Reflections by Gillian Hugo

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