CHOOSING CHRIST ABOVE ALL
Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16; Romans 6:3-4, 8-11; Matthew 10:37-42 A young man once said, “I love Jesus, but I also don’t want to disappoint my family.” That sentence captures one of the greatest struggles of discipleship: what happens when following Christ demands difficult choices? Today’s Gospel comes at the end of Jesus’ missionary discourse. Having warned the disciples about persecution and opposition, He now raises the standard even higher: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” These are among the strongest words Jesus ever spoke. He is not condemning family love. After all, He Himself affirmed the commandment to honour father and mother. Rather, He is teaching that every genuine love must find its proper place under the supreme love of God. This priority of God is beautifully illustrated in the first reading. The Shunammite woman welcomes the prophet Elisha with extraordina...
