Gospel Reflection by Fr. Jimmy Hababag

     “If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother… cannot be my disciple.”   
     I’m sure, to most of us, today’s Gospel sounds pretty shocking. It is, indeed, disturbing to hear Jesus says that we must turn our back on our very own father, mother, wife, children, brothers & sisters. “If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother… cannot be my disciple.”
       In Hebrew language “hate”  is a passionate way of expressing total detachment from someone or something. Jesus is actually stressing forcefully a point here:  He must come first in our lives.
     Jesus is inviting us to turn to Him for all our needs and give up unhealthy dependencies on others. We have to  follow our Lord without reservation or any condition. Like a man building a tower or a king going into battle, are we  prepared for what we  would face?  Are we  sure we  have what it takes?
     We must be willing to lose everything rather than lose Jesus or we are not His disciples.  We must learn to “Let go and let God.” The cost of discipleship may be high, but the reward of following our good Lord is eternal bliss. Amen!
                                                                Fr. Jimmy B. Hababag