How we understand the word “love” will determine our reaction to the statement that Jesus makes in this Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 10:37-42). There Jesus says, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

 

If we understand “love” as an emotion characterized by deep affection, attachment, and care, these words can sound harsh or even cruel.

 

How can Jesus expect children to love him more than they do their parents who gave them birth, raised them, cared for them when they were sick, comforted them when they were hurt or afraid, sacrificed to provide for their needs, worried about them, encouraged them, and stood by them when no one else would?

 

How can Jesus expect parents to love him more than they love the children whom they brought into the world, the children who taught them what it is to truly care for another human being, the children whom they watched with pride as they grew and in whom they placed their hopes and dreams, the children who gave them homemade cards for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and the children they hope will one day make them grandparents?

 

It is hard to imagine us as parents or children having an even greater depth of emotional love for Jesus, whom we know by faith.

 

However, if we understand “love” not as an emotional response to someone but rather as a decision to give someone a significant place in our lives, then what Jesus asks is possible.

 

The people who are worthy of Jesus are those who decide to make his words and example the guide for their lives. They are the ones who realize that in following Jesus we find the meaning and purpose of our lives and the way to eternal life. Those worthy of Jesus are the people who decide to take up the cross that comes with being faithful to him and the Gospel.

 

There is no contradiction between loving Jesus and loving parents and children. Loving Jesus requires a decision while loving our parents or children is a matter of the heart.

 

© 2026 Rev. Thomas Iwanowski