This Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 14:25–33) includes one of Jesus’ most startling teachings. He turns to the large crowd following him and says, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” It’s a jarring statement—on the surface, even harsh. But it’s precisely this shocking, hyperbolic language that Jesus uses to wake us up. He isn’t calling us to despise our families—far from it. Rather, He is calling us to reorder our loves: to place God first, above all things, even those most dear to us.
Jesus’ words are not meant to push us away, but to draw us into the radical reality of discipleship—a life that demands everything, but in return, gives everything. His call is not for the faint of heart. It is for those who dare to love in the way He loves: completely, selflessly, and for the sake of others, especially the poor, the outcast, and those on the margins. Time and again, Jesus aligns himself with those the world forgets. He reminds us that “the last shall be first,” and that true discipleship means giving ourselves away in love.
The Book of Wisdom teaches that our own understanding is limited, and only divine wisdom from the Holy Spirit can help us know what God truly intends. We must ask God to help us break free from earthly distractions so that our hearts can be shaped to become more Christ-like.
Paul, in his letter to Philemon, urges true Christian love—welcoming a former slave as a brother, reminding us to see every person with dignity and compassion that flows from Christ. This is lived discipleship: putting faith into concrete action by reaching out and serving, especially those overlooked by society.
A simple way to remember this path of discipleship is through the acronym JOY:
- Jesus first,
- Others second,
- Yourself last.
This is not about denying our own dignity—it’s about reordering our priorities so that our lives are rooted in love of God and neighbor. In a society that constantly tells us to “look out for number one,” the Gospel tells us instead to look outward—to Jesus and to the needs of those around us. Ironically, in giving ourselves away, we discover a joy the world can never give: the joy of the Kingdom of God.
This Sunday is a great reminder of what that joy looks like in our community. We are blessed to have over a thousand people signed up for our Annual Parish BBQ! What a wonderful sign that this parish longs to be together. While this event is mainly a time for fun, food, and laughter, I hope it also becomes a moment of deep spiritual connection. Please wear your name badge—and if you don’t have one, please write it on a name tag. Take the time to introduce yourself to someone new. Ask someone their name and listen to their story. In this simple gesture, we become more than a parish—we become the Body of Christ. And don’t forget to smile and laugh a lot today! It is medicine for the soul.
Also today, we have two other great opportunities to live out JOY:
This morning, our Hope & Wellness Ministry is hosting a session reminding us that together we can support each other, promote a stigma-free community and become the best version of ourselves—in mind, body, and spirit. If you would like to learn and/or meet with some of the team please drop in to the Simon Room today from 9am-12pm or email: hopeandwellness@stsimon.org.
A reminder to also drop off your old electronics and e-waste you have at home to the collection in the front parking lot this morning from 9am-1pm hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. This is another practical way to care for creation and serve one another. Details are on what is accepted click here.
Both are ways of saying: we are a people who serve. We don’t just come to church; we bring the Church into the world. That’s what discipleship looks like—liturgy lived out loud.
In the year ahead, I encourage you not only to attend liturgy, but to be the liturgy in action. Let your worship of Christ in the Eucharist spill out into the world—in how you serve, how you love, how you forgive, and how you give yourself away for others.
If we can teach our children to live with JOY—Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last—we will raise a new generation that is rooted in faith, love, and purpose. We will also rediscover that truth for ourselves. The joy of discipleship doesn’t come from being served, but from serving. From pouring out our lives for something greater than ourselves.
Let’s help each other become the best version of ourselves—not by chasing perfection, but by choosing dedication, sacrifice, and love. Let us respond to Jesus’ call not with hesitation, but with hearts ready to be opened, like the man healed in last week’s Gospel. Let us say with our lives: “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.”
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan