“Great crowds were traveling with Jesus”

This week's Gospel begins by telling us that Jesus was surrounded by great crowds as he traveled around. Many of us would probably see that as a sign of our success. We may even begin to cater to the crowds, watering down the message in order to make them happy so they stick around. However, Jesus begins to do the opposite.

Luke tells us "he turned and addressed them" and begins to tell them how they must hate their family and renounce their possessions in order to be his disciple. In fact, he says that if people do not do these things they "cannot be my disciple." Certainly not an example of Jesus catering to the crowd to make life seem easy and keep them around.

Jesus often used hyperbole or exaggeration to make his point, and he is likely doing so here (for we know Jesus did not hate his own mother). To his first century listeners, to whom family was often all they knew in their small villages, there was nothing more important in the world. The bonds of family ran much deeper than we could ever comprehend in our modern context. So, these words of Jesus were a shock and, likely, a dealbreaker for many. However, the point still stands: if we wish to be Jesus' disciples and live as children of God, then God and building God's Kingdom must be our highest priority.

As we move forward in our own lives today, let us take heed of Jesus' words in this Gospel! Is love for God and God's Kingdom the highest good in our lives? Are we willing to part even with family or with our possessions if it means remaining a true disciple of Jesus? Let us not just be a part of the crowd that hears the hard part and then departs. Let us pray that our hearts may be moved to put Jesus first and trust that, when we do, everything else will fall into place 

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings this Sunday's Mass.