Putting Christ First.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today's Gospel contains some of the most challenging words of Jesus:
"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me... Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."
At first, these words may seem harsh. Does Jesus want us to love our families less? Certainly not. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to honor our parents and to love one another. What He is saying is that our love for God must come first, because when Christ is first, every other relationship finds its proper place.
1. Christ Must Be Our First Priority
Every day we make choices about what matters most.
Some people put first:
- wealth,
- career,
- popularity,
- comfort,
- or even personal ambitions.
These things are not wrong in themselves, but when they take God's place in our hearts, they become obstacles to our spiritual life.
Jesus asks us today:
Who comes first in your life?
If Christ is truly Lord, then every decision we make should reflect His teachings.
Putting Christ first means:
- choosing honesty over dishonesty,
- forgiveness over revenge,
- prayer over neglect,
- holiness over convenience.
2. Taking Up the Cross
Jesus continues:
"Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."
The cross is not merely a symbol worn around the neck. It represents the sacrifices and challenges that come with being a disciple.
Our crosses may include:
- illness,
- family difficulties,
- financial struggles,
- rejection because of our faith,
- daily sacrifices made out of love.
Jesus does not promise that following Him will be easy. Instead, He promises that He will walk with us.
The cross is not the end of the story. After Good Friday came Easter Sunday.
Likewise, our sacrifices, when united with Christ, lead to new life.
3. Losing Life to Find It
Jesus says:
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
This is one of the great paradoxes of the Gospel.
The world teaches:
- look after yourself first,
- seek your own success,
- live only for yourself.
Jesus teaches the opposite:
- give yourself in love,
- serve others,
- sacrifice for the Kingdom.
The happiest people are often those who spend their lives serving God and others.
True life is found not in selfishness but in self-giving love.
4. Welcoming Christ in Others
At the end of the Gospel, Jesus says:
"Whoever receives you receives me."
He speaks of welcoming prophets, righteous people, and even offering a cup of cold water to one of His disciples.
This teaches us that no act of kindness is too small in God's eyes.
Sometimes we think serving God requires extraordinary deeds.
But Jesus reminds us that holiness is often found in simple acts:
- visiting the sick,
- helping a neighbour,
- encouraging someone who is discouraged,
- feeding the hungry,
- listening with compassion,
- giving generously to those in need.
Every act of love done for Christ will receive its reward.
5. Living the Gospel Today
This Sunday's Gospel challenges us to ask ourselves:
- Is Christ truly the centre of my life?
- What cross am I being called to carry?
- Do I see opportunities each day to serve Christ by serving others?
- Am I willing to sacrifice my comfort for the sake of the Gospel?
Discipleship is not simply believing in Jesus; it is following Him wholeheartedly.
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus invites us today to make Him the highest priority in our lives.
When Christ comes first:
- our families become stronger,
- our work gains deeper purpose,
- our suffering finds meaning,
- and our lives become a witness to His love.
May we have the courage to take up our cross each day, follow Christ faithfully, and recognize Him in every person we meet.
And may we remember His promise:
"Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Amen.