God's Gift of Wisdom “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. In the same way, anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” For any of us, these are very challenging words. How could we ever think about leaving our families and homes? But Jesus is trying to help us understand, perhaps in a very shocking manner, that true conversion and discipleship begins when our entire selves are devoted to God and life with God. Our hearts and our society can be the greatest of distractions for us. If our hearts are full of anger, pride, greed, or any of the other wonderful vices that can entangle us, we become unfocused and even anxious over the call to holiness. And in our post-modern society, we do not have the faith supports and encouragement to live a virtuous life as we once did. So we have this inner and outer struggle with the Word of God and all that it implies. In John’s Gospel a few weeks ago, we read about the call of Bartholomew, also known as Nathaniel. Nathaniel is beneath the fig tree. In ancient times, the wise and learned would gather beneath fig trees to discuss philosophy and the weightier matters of life. Nathaniel becomes an example of the Christian’s need to struggle and ponder the more profound matters of faith and how they apply to our reality. When we consider the call of God’s grace and blessing, we also contemplate the response that we make within our faith lives. We worship God in Spirit and in Truth; our lives are marked by charity and chastity. The choices and the decisions we make are based upon conversion and discipleship. Our interaction with each other is a sign and symbol of faithfulness to God. To reach this point, though, we approach God unattached. Discipleship is foremost about the relationship we have with God in Jesus Christ. Then, as we come to recognize the great love which God has poured out upon us, we share what we have received with our spouses, children, family, friends, and community. But we are solidly set in God. Discipleship asks us to live in the love and mercy of the paschal mystery. We disassociate ourselves with those things and relationships which can draw us away from God. At baptism, we are asked why we bring our children to this sacrament. Jesus asks John’s disciples why they are following Him. It is important for us to answer these questions. We need to be attuned to the fact that truth and salvation come through Jesus Christ. To be a disciple of Jesus is to learn how to pick up our cross and walk. Fr. Kenneth J. Anderson
Bread Blest and Broken
Visit Father Ken’s Blog: breadblest.blogspot.com
This might be described as the Church in action. Fr. Ken shares his reflections and experiences. His blog gives readers a view of the Parish’s work through the Pastor’s eyes and provides an opportunity for readers to share thoughts and discuss issues.
