The Gift of family

Jesus expresses a number of difficult sayings in today's Gospel. 'Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me,' for example. We know what he is getting at and I have been around long enough to put a more nuanced angle on his words. We love our parents although at times their attitudes and behaviour may have been challenging. Jesus is not saying that we disregard our parents or children. It just wouldn't make sense with other references in Scripture.

For some people of course when travel was more difficult, journeying to a distant shore on mission meant never seeing one's family again. Many early Marists experienced that reality. They were caught up in zeal for the Gospel. They literally lived out what this Gospel demanded. It must have been painful for all concerned and a huge sacrifice was made by parents in such circumstances as well as the son or daughter choosing the life of a missionary. And given what they experienced in those pioneering days they certainly took up their cross and followed after Jesus and their families back home in their loss took up their cross as well.

The Gospel asks us to have priorities. I like to think Jesus first and all other things including parents and family, one's calling and gifts are all included within that one overarching focus.

I am reminded of St Augustine's saying, 'Love God and do what you like.'

All things being equal however we see today's Gospel from Matthew 10:37-42, Jesus is challenging us to think and in following him there will be a cost. Are we prepared to take that on board and simply get on with it no matter how that cost eventuates.

A number of years ago now when I was at St Mary of the Angels here in Wellington, I spent time at home with a family who had just lost their mother. I know what the dynamics of a big family are in my own family situation and I witnessed a similar reality here. I was enamoured by the beauty, humanity and goodness of what I witnessed and composed the song I am sharing with you this week. It doesn't address the Gospel message directly but I hope it makes some connections for you. For many people the Gospel is lived out and shared within the family context and it is where we experience both blessings and sorrows. Within families, welcome and hospitality are also shared and Jesus has something to say about that too, today.

Blessings on your families and on your week.

Family Together here

Children and grandchildren

Husbands and wives

Brothers and sisters

The loves of our lives

Sharing our stories

And memories dear

Family together here

Happy, yes sometimes

And sometimes sad

Take time for healing

For times we’ve been mad

Sharing our stories

And memories dear

Family together here

For love binds our wounds

And love makes us strong

It lifts us up and fills our cup and helps us carry on

Friendship and laughter

Planning and tears

Gifts freely given

Down through the years

Time to be grateful

And time to be near

Family together here

Brother, I love you

My sister, my kin

All here together

As a new day begins

Sharing our stories

And memories dear

Family together here

For love finds a home

In hearts free from fear

And love is real and helps us feel what living’s all about.

Thankful to be here

Taking this time

Sharing these moments

With family of mine

Precious these stories and memories too

Family together true