by Fr. Gregory-David Jones, O.S.B.

       Jesus’ words to the people who wanted to become part of his band of disciples may seem harsh to us.  One man simply wants to say goodbye to his family, while another says that he first wishes to fulfill his duty by burying his father… these excuses, as valid as they may seem do not seem to be enough for Jesus.  In this passage, there seems to be revealed a side of Jesus that is out-of-character.  He teaches us to “Do for others as you would have them do for you”, yet here he is telling these two men to forget the courtesy that they would expect from others or even the common respect shown for a deceased loved one. 

     If this were a normal person, demanding that another leave his family without telling them or not attending the burial of a parent would be too much to ask.  But the one making the request is not an ordinary person – it is Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.   Our devotion to Jesus should reflect the titles given to him.  He is called “Lord” because he is the King of our hearts.  He is called “Messiah” because he is the anointed one who is “the way, the truth and the life” that leads to the Father.  Family, friends and common and expected courtesies have their place, but the place of God in our lives needs to be the highest priority because family, friends and acquaintances cannot bring us eternal salvation.

      Too often in our modern society, we who call ourselves the disciples of Jesus have fallen into a mode of thinking that relegates religion to being something we do instead of a devotion that encompasses all aspects of our lives.  We have become more accustomed to talking to others about food, clothing and entertainment than about sharing our faith with those around us, especially our family and friends.  Since when has talking about Jesus at a Christmas celebration or other family gathering become “inappropriate” and “awkward”?  When has defending the values that Jesus taught us become “offensive” and “improper”?  Expressing our faith in Jesus is “inappropriate”, “awkward”, “offensive” and “improper” only when what we profess to be is not the reality of what is in our hearts.

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