Gospel: Mt. 10:37- 42
The opening of this Gospel passage may seem harsh, “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” These words point to the need for the centrality of Christ in our lives. It is easy to get caught up in distractions and relationships. Discipleship is single focused and an act of giving without placing conditions.
Following Jesus make take us away from family and friends. I don’t think that Jesus loved any human being more than His mother Mary, but His mission called Him to leave Nazareth and her. Similarly, I admire our CSFN Sisters who have left their families and provinces of origin to minister in our faraway missions such Ghana, Spain, Israel, Australia, the Philippines and even the United States.
God is never outdone in generosity. I recall my first few weeks of graduate school in Pittsburgh as I struggled with loneliness and homesickness. Sitting before the Blessed Sacrament one night, I recalled the words of our Foundress, Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, “in the Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament we are joined to the hearts of all those who are dear to us.” So, even though physical distance may separate us, we are all together in the Heart of Jesus,
Have a blessed and grace-filled week!
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
