Jesus’ teaching in today’s Gospel can seem hard to comprehend. He says that unless we come to him hating even our most significant relationships—and even our own lives—we cannot be his disciples. Yet God’s law commands us to love others and to honour our father and mother. What, then, is Jesus saying?

He is not speaking literally but rather using strong language to drive home a point. If we prefer anyone or anything to him, then we cannot truly be his disciples. And for many who follow him, that decision has indeed created division—even with friends and family. Jesus goes further: we must ‘hate’ ourselves—that is, be willing to let go of our ego, our attachments, even our lives, for his sake. Think of the martyrs who preferred death to renouncing their faith!

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, one of the great masters of the spiritual life. He places great emphasis on the priority of following Christ. Indeed, he invites each of us to make a conscious ‘election’ to do so—having weighed not only the costs, but also the benefits.

From a worldly point of view, following Christ does come at a cost. It may involve giving time to serve the poor, making sacrifices in our finances, or confronting our own pride in order to serve humbly.

Let us also consider the promise: the fullness of life that cannot be bought but flows from friendship with Christ and communion with the Eternal Father.

By Fr Michael Grace