JULY22023

Jesus said to his apostles: “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.” I never know what to do with loving “more than.” Often children seem to compete for their parents attention: “You love Mary more than me.” To which mother responds: “I love you all just the same.”  The reality is that every love is unique, that every relationship has its own rhythm and dynamic. I can say that I love all my siblings but some of them I enjoy spending time with more than others. We share common experiences and memories that create an instant, unspoken bond. So when Jesus says we should love him “more than” our family members I am not sure what he is asking of me. The love I have for Jesus is as particular and personal as others whom I love in my life and I would not be able to rate which was more or which was less. The one thing I can say, when I am looking for guidance, looking for peace, looking for hope I turn to Jesus in prayer and bring those other loves along with me.