Scripture: Matthew 10:37
Those who love father or mother more than me aren’t worthy of me. Those who love son or daughter more than me aren’t worthy of me.
Thought for the Day: Today, I am thankful for my mother. I picked her up at the airport yesterday afternoon. I’m sure it feels similar to when my mother saw me pull into the drive way or walk off the plane back when I was in college or first out on my own. There is a feeling of relief when this person I love has made it home (or made it to my home). But then you read the words of Jesus, and it makes you wonder if such love and joy for another human being is a bit too much. Do I love my mother more than I love Jesus? Maybe I’m off in my thinking, but I believe Jesus wasn’t trying to make this into a competition to see who we should love more. The love of Jesus and our love for Jesus is what teaches us how to love others. I don’t believe Jesus is that insecure to demand that we love him above everyone else, but the amazing love I have known from my mother is a love that was first inspired by the love of Jesus. It is in loving Jesus and following in his ways that we learn to truly love others with a selflessness that resembles what Jesus asked us to do. And because my mother has chosen to live her life in such a way, I was able to see Jesus reflected in her and learn what love is all about.
Prayer: Thank you for all the amazing witnesses in life who have pointed us to you, Loving Lord; all those who allowed us to see and experience unconditional love. Amen.
