In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us all emphatically that … “anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” These are the words that Jesus used to wrap up His teaching today. What do you think when you hear the words he begins with … “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:25-33 could be interpreted many ways as we contemplate the point Jesus is trying to make. Would He really ask us to hate our parents, siblings and children? God is love is He not? Would Jesus want us to break the commandment to honor our father and mother? Sometimes our translations in English can lead us to misunderstandings. I think if I were to sum up what I believe Jesus is saying to me, it would be to always place Him and the will of God first. If anything comes before God’s will, I have to renounce it and follow Him.
It is not easy and a daily battle. When I follow the will of God, there is no need to hate anything because in truth, it all falls into place as it should. Jesus first, Others second and You last. JOY comes with picking up our crosses and following Jesus as His disciple.
Seeking To Reflect Jesus 
JOY…I love this, Mike! A good way to remember.
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Thank you Lois. I hope you have a very blessed day!
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Well said, Mike! I agree that some of the wording in Scripture can be confusing, even disturbing, due to the translation process being an imperfect science! Funny that you wrote about “joy” and I wrote about “happiness” during the same week (didn’t see your post until after I posted mine). I guess God wants us to spread the word to put Him first and the rest will fall into place!
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