Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10:37

Today’s scripture passage focuses on following Christ; and it reminds us that the person who has been called to follow Christ will have to stick with it and constantly keep God’s will and the welfare of the other in mind. It sounds like a harsh message when Jesus insists, “Whoever loves father or mother, son or daughter, more than Me is not worthy of Me.” Is Jesus advocating that we reject our parents, our brothers and sisters, in order to follow Him? Not at all. He is simply stating that love of Him must come first in our lives. This love is the greatest love of all for it is God-like and, if we have it and nourish it, it will perfect filial or family love.

The family of today can benefit from this message of Christian love. How often we see families today torn apart by petty jealousies, rivalries and animosities! If only they could put Christ in the home; if only they could rise above mean-spiritness and put on the spirit of Christ. What a transformation would take place in their family relationships!

Putting on the spirit of Christ in today’s world means some cross bearing. That is why Christ says: “He who will not take up his cross and come after Me is not worthy of Me.” This might mean making heavy sacrifices and appearing to be stubborn. In any case, it means a good deal of selflessness.

We must live our lives in concert with Christ. We have been “baptized into Christ Jesus”; we have died to sin in order to live “for God in Christ Jesus.” Day in and day out, therefore, we are required to make tough judgment calls informed by serviceable Christian love. At any given moment of our lives, we may be called upon to opt for Christ in a heroic fashion. But, if we can keep in mind the words of Jesus that He will never abandon us, we will do whatever it takes. And, whatever we do from that attitude will be just fine.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

* * * Do not miss tomorrow’s blog on Forgiveness * * *