PRAYER MOMENT
Wednesday,
6 November 2013
HATING YOUR FATHER
Pause. Be still in the presence of God.
Reading. Great
crowds accompanied Jesus and he spoke to them, “If anyone comes to me without
hating his father he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:25-33)
Reflection. Jesus
was not fooled by the huge crowds that followed him. He knew they could
evaporate in a moment and even turn on him and shout, “Crucify him!” They were
easily manipulated. And that is why he used strong – even shocking - language to
try to penetrate the armour of fear and selfishness that prevented people from
really receiving his message. “You must
hate your father, mother, wife, children
and your own life too.” Did he really mean “hate” as we understand it?
Of course, not. But he did mean taking a radical decision of following him even
if it meant putting family and one’s own life in second place. There is a popular
song we sing, “Jesus is number one!” But is he ?
Prayer. Lord
Jesus, we know and you know how weak we are you. We are afraid and can easily
deny you like Peter. Strengthen us with your Spirit to stand for truth and love
one another Amen.
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