23d^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 14:25-33

 

Talk about being brutally honest.

 

Jesus is telling us that to be true followers we must hate our fathers, mothers, wives, children, brothers and sisters?  That must surely have gotten the attention of the crowds travelling with Jesus, just as sure as it gets our attention now.

 

Jesus’ command, here, certainly seems counter-intuitive on so many levels.  It seems wrong on a simply human level, and it seems to go against the commandment to honor thy father and mother, and certainly seems to conflict with Jesus’ command to love one another. So, what gives?

 

According to many reflections and commentaries that I read, the key perhaps, to fully understanding this passage lies in an understanding of the ancient Greek word for hate.  Miseo.

This word, used in context, does not describe the emotion of hate as we understand it, but means to love less, or to regard with less importance, or reject.  In other words, Jesus is telling us that to love God is paramount, even when loving our family members comes into conflict with loving God.

 

This passage made me think of an experience I had when I was young.  A neighbor, a very devoted and loving parent, said that she would do anything for the sake of her child.  She used the old phrase that she would “beg, borrow and steal” to make sure that her child’s needs were met.  Afterward my father explained that while, on its face, that phrase and sentiment seemed admirable, in reality it was dangerous.  He explained that he would certainly beg or borrow in order to take care of me and my sister but that it would be wrong of him to ever steal.  He explained that stealing was wrong and was an act that deliberately hurt another human being.  He said that he would be a poor parent if he taught us that stealing was ok.  He reminded us that stealing from another is wrong in every case and, as a loving parent, he could not teach us otherwise.

 

This experience helps me understand this passage better.  To go against God by stealing, lying, cheating, hurting, or killing another is wrong.  Even if one desires to do so for a good cause – such as for family – it is wrong. To put it in other words, the end never justifies the means.  If God is first, then God is first.

 

And when you come down to it.  Loving God first is the best way to love our fathers. mothers, wives, children, brothers and sisters.

 

 

“Call Me Ishmael”

True Humility

 

In this week’s Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7–14), Jesus gives us a world-class lesson on humility and what it truly means to be a follower of Christ. While visiting the house of a Pharisee, He tells a parable about humility. Jesus observed that the guests were all choosing the best seats for themselves. He teaches that it is better to take a lower seat and be asked to move up, rather than take the best seat and be asked to move down. In this way, honor comes from being lifted up by the host, not from exalting ourselves.

Jesus then turns to the host and explains that inviting only those who can repay you is not true generosity. Real giving is about helping those who cannot give anything back. True generosity expects nothing in return—it is about selfless love, the same kind of love that God shows to us.

To be humble before the Lord means surrendering and allowing God to lead our lives. This is counterintuitive because the world tells us to take control, to seek recognition, and to prove ourselves. But what the world wants is not what God desires. We don’t need the praise, recognition, or approval of others—we are called to humbly submit to the Lord.

When we succeed, it is because God has blessed us. And when things don’t go as planned, we can still thank God, knowing He is in control. Humility shifts the focus away from us and places it on Him. A humble life makes God the reason behind everything we do. It’s not about what we can accomplish for ourselves, but about how our accomplishments can glorify the Lord. Too often, we take credit for what God has done in us. Humility is the only way to truly receive the gift of salvation.

When Jesus spoke to the host, He explained that it is far more meaningful to give to those who cannot repay you. Giving to someone in a high position, or to someone who can return the favor, isn’t the same as giving a blessing. A true blessing is undeserved. It is simply a gift—no strings attached.

This mirrors our relationship with God: we could never repay Him for the gift of salvation, yet He gives it freely. That is how we are called to treat others—with open hands, no expectations, no hidden motives. True generosity has no conditions.

The world we live in has slowly stripped away many Christian values. Jesus knew this would happen, which is why He taught so many parables. These parables serve as timeless lessons to guide us in a world that has lost its way.

Living a humble life is not easy. It may not be common, but it is the way of Christ. Giving God all the credit may not sit well with others, but it will always honor the Lord. The gifts and blessings we have are not for our glory, but examples of how we should give to others.

So, find someone who is worse off than you. Help them. Give them your time, encouragement, guidance, or whatever resources you can share. Be a blessing by letting God shine through you. This what true humility looks like.