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Hierarchy of Values

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says:

He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.

Why does Jesus use such strong language when speaking to His Apostles? He does so in order to emphasize how important it is to have a proper hierarchy of values in our lives. This means that we need to appreciate and focus on what is most important first, and what is least important last. In each of our lives, no matter what our vocations are, each of us must place God first in this hierarchy, and everything and everyone else should follow.

So, if we put God first in our lives, He will see to it that our relationships are harmonious and that we have all of our daily needs such as food, drink, and clothing met.

When we know that God is first, we are happy—happy because we have found Jesus, and Jesus has found us. And someone who has discovered God and His love cannot remain silent about the love for Christ that fills his Heart. He must share it with others. And we, too, must share the Love of God that we have experienced in our lives with others.

My brothers and sisters, wherever you are on your spiritual journey, I would like to invite you to spend a few moments in silence after Communion to welcome Jesus into your heart. Ask him to fill your heart with His Love.

Yours in Christ,
Father Arthur

Readings for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Lectionary 97