The number one relationship in your life: Jesus

The main message that I heard from both Father Vince and Father Martin’s homily this week was to give God top priority over all other relationships and things in my life.  The Gospel needed some interpretation in regards to where Jesus was coming from.   The most challenging statement for me was when Jesus tells his disciples: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”  This sounds contrary to common logic, as putting “family first” is usually the top priority and preserving my own life is a number one objective.  But Father Martin pointed out that the word in Greek used for “hating” meant, “secondary” and Father Vince suggested substituting “hating” with “loving me more or better than” in the Gospel passage.  Both interpretations helped to me understand this passage in context of putting the relationship with Jesus first over family and even my own life.  The same goes for my possessions, the things that are in my life that can get in the way of my relationship with God. 

 

Father Martin also brought home what Jesus meant by “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”  He pointed out the plight of the Syrian Christians and the persecution they were suffering for their faith, sometimes to the death.  They are truly carrying their cross and modern day examples of suffering for their faith in Christ.  Pope Francis had called the faithful to pray and fast for peace in Syria.  This call to action was very appropriate for the Gospel message of carrying your cross, which many in Syria do just by practicing their faith and to be a disciple of Christ.  Please continue to pray for peace in Syria.  

So keep God’s relationship first in your life.  This doesn’t mean that you abandon all your possessions and family, but keep them in proper perspective God’s relationship as being the primary one in your life.  It will help you endure carrying your own cross to be Christ’s disciples.  May God bless you!