Focus Text: Matthew 10:40-42

Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple -- truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

Pastoral Reflection by Dr. Maria Teresa Palmer, Director, Multicultural Student Center, North Carolina A&T State University

The cup of water that Matthew asks us to offer is a dangerous thing. It assumes we have looked at our visitor and noticed his or her thirst. We are willing to be inconvenienced, to go to the well and draw the pure clean water and offer it in hospitality—which might lead us to pulling out a chair and inquiring about the rest of the family.

Key Fact

Over the last 50 years, immigration laws have become increasingly strict.  In the past, many waves of immigrants passed relatively freely through ports of entry such as Ellis Island.  Since the U.S. has tightened its borders, most of these same families would be turned away today.