FORSAKING ALL FOR CHRIST

 



Monday of week 15 in Ordinary Time 


Isaiah 1:10-17 

Psalm 49(50):8-9,16-17,21,23

Matthew 10:34-11:1


Whenever a significant call is issued, it invariably provokes division among those who accept it and those who reject it. In the present gospel passage, Jesus informs his disciples that he did not come to bring peace, but rather a sword (Matthew 10:34). This signifies that following him would entail considerable sacrifice, as it requires prioritizing God's kingdom and obeying his commandments.

When Jesus mentions that division will strike close to home, his audience likely recalled the prophecy of Micah: a person's enemies are often their own household (Micah 7:6). The love of God compels us to determine who will occupy the foremost position in our lives. To elevate any relationship or possession above God constitutes a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to assess whom they love above all else. A genuine disciple loves God above all and is prepared to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasizes that his disciples must render to him a loyalty that is exclusively due to God—loyalty that surpasses that owed to spouse or kin. Family and friends may, at times, become sources of conflict if concern for their opinions prevents adherence to God's will. Consequently, God’s will must take precedence. His demands outweigh material wealth. His call offers peace and salvation. Let us endeavor never to be separated from God. Amen. 


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