Some of the words Jesus is supposed to have said can have a harsh sound to them. Take the sentence, unless you hate father and mother, brother and sister, even your own life, you cannot be my disciple. This from the same Jesus who told us to LOVE OUR ENEMIES! So what is this all about?
It could be nothing more than an encouragement to look beyond natural love when the time comes to step forward into something more difficult in life. Each of us, one day, comes to a point where we must make a hard decision. Sometimes we hesitate for fear of how it will affect those we love. Depending on the decision, we may need to put aside such emotional ties as we seek the truth of our future, and where the spirit is leading. Whatever decision we must make, we must make it looking toward heaven and basing our choice on the Holy Spirit.
In his book, The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho examines just such a journey. He notes how many people are content to dream. Some even get close to seeing the fulfillment of their dream. But for some unknown reason, we often stop short. Going all the way seems counter to our nature.
Perhaps this is all Jesus is saying when he tells us that to follow him we must give up our life. He isn't asking us for some terrible renunciation, but rather a fierce determination that goes forward without letting sentiment or personal feelings get in our way. Going forward requires courage and steadfastness. For often we do not see the treasure close to us until we've made the journey that changes and matures our vision. And life is, after all, a journey forward.
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