THROUGH UNTRUE

I once read the story of a pig and a chicken strolling down a bustling street. As they passed by a restaurant, they noticed a sign that read: “We provide bacon and egg sandwiches for the poor. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated.” The chicken expressed interest in helping and offered to contribute her eggs. She then asked the pig if he would provide the bacon. The pig replied: “You can lay eggs repeatedly without risking your life. However,I would have to sacrifice my life to give them bacon.” This story illustrates the difference between interest and commitment. While the chicken is merely interested, the pig understands that total commitment is demanded of him. Today’s gospel reading highlights that lesson. Jesus proclaimed, “Whoever loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). Another version of this passage is even more disconcerting: “Anyone who comes to me but does not hate their father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters — yes, even their own life — cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Following Jesus allows for no compromises. It is all or nothing. This may sound extreme. However, Jesus often employed provocative language to make a point and challenge his audience. The term “hate” should not be taken literally. Jesus used that word to emphasize the need to reorder our priorities. He demands that our allegiance to Him be above all other relationships and attachment. Today, putting Christ above all else is becoming increasingly challenging. Contemporary culture prioritizes personal interest and convenience. It promotes subjective moral standards, encouraging individuals to define their own truth and morality. This results in the loss of our moral compass and the deadening of our sense of guilt and shame. Also, the prevailing call for pluralism, diversity and inclusivity pressure Christians to compromise their faith and values for fear of being labeled intolerant or out of touch. To make matters worse, many embrace the “feel good Christianity” preached by many televangelists who portray Jesus as a God who gives everything but demands nothing. This fosters a faith lacking in depth, intellectual engagement, and genuine spiritual transformation. It creates in Christians a consumer mindset that desires an emotional “high” every time they pray, rather than a deeper understanding of God’s will and purpose. Our commitment to loving God above all else requires a strong sense of integrity. A person with integrity is single-hearted. To be single-hearted means to regard Jesus as the greatest treasure, surpassing all others. As Jesus said, “Where your heart is, there will your treasure be” (Matthew 6:21). A person with integrity is also single-minded. “A double-minded person is unstable in all their ways” (James 1:8). A Christian must set his mind on serving only one Master. Trying to serve two masters leads to a split-level spirituality and morality, ultimately resulting in hypocrisy as one attempts to present a facade of wholeness. If hypocrisy becomes habitual, it becomes second nature to a person. Commitment always involves renunciation. Loving God above all else requires that we give up anything that would negate that love. This is a painful process. That is why Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must carry his cross and follow me” (Matthew 10:38). Maintaining our integrity is like a cross that we must bear. Often, what makes us stumble and fall is not the cross itself but the way we carry it.