Our reading from Matthew’s Gospel contains some of Jesus’ most challenging words. As usual, they can be easily misinterpreted when taken out of context. Christ’s arrival in the world will bring division to Israel, as even family members turn on each other over the issue of whether he is the Messiah. Jesus says those who love family more than him are not worthy of him. He further heightens this idea of radical loyalty by comparing it to carrying one’s own cross: a metaphor for death. (Matthew 10:37,38) Those who do follow him, though, will find the life that is true. Those who go their own way will lose their lives, no matter what they find on earth.
Readings and Sermon Sunday 2nd June 2024
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