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”