July 14, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin [In the Dioceses of the United States]
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1
Reflect on the Word //
Jesus’ words jar me as He 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” (Matthew 10:37). They seem harsh, unlike the loving, gentle Jesus I know so well.
A memory surfaces. The only Catholic in my big Christian family, I’d flown to Nebraska for the funeral of my seventeen-year-old nephew. A ride to Mass on Sunday morning felt like a big ask. But, I knew and still know where my strength comes from. Especially in the midst of grief, I needed to worship as God asks me to and receive Him in Holy Communion. So, I decided to ask.
After only a little pushback, my sister agreed to take me to Mass and pick me up afterward.
Jesus demands that we be “all in” as His followers. His requirement has nothing to do with power or control. For Jesus it’s always about love. He knows how easily our love can go awry. When we cling to any person, even our closest family members, more than we cling to Jesus, unhealthy patterns develop. We turn in on ourselves, grasping after what we think is best and trying to control others. Relationships meant to thrive through mutual self-giving become sterile or one-sided, leaving us empty and lonely. But when we put Him first, He makes a way for us to love like He does.
Jesus knows that we cannot fully receive His abundant love when we allow lesser relationships to crowd Him out. When we find courage to put Him first and entrust everything and everyone to Him, even our suffering is transformed in the light of His love.
Relate to the Lord // How might you put your love of Jesus first today?
