Month: June 2026

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Putting Christ First

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks words that can seem challenging at first: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” The Lord is not asking us to love our families less. Rather, He is teaching us that God must always hold first place in our hearts. When we love Christ above all else, we are able to love others more fully and more faithfully.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus calls His disciples to place their trust in Him above every earthly attachment. This does not diminish the importance of family, friendship, or community. Instead, it reminds us that all human relationships find their deepest meaning when thy are rooted in God’s love.

Jesus also speaks of taking up one’s cross and following Him. Every Christian encounters sacrifices, disappointments and struggles. The cross is not something we seek for its own sake, but is is often found in the daily challenges of life: caring for family members, persevering through illness, remaining faithful in difficult circumstances, and choosing what is right even when it is not easy. When united to Christ, these sacrifices become opportunities for grace and spiritual growth.

The Gospel concludes with a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness have great value in God’s eyes. Offering a cup of cold water, welcoming a stranger, encouraging someone who is struggling or helping a neighbor in need may seem insignificant, but such acts reflect the love of Christ and help build His Kingdom.

As we continue through Ordinary Time, let us examine our priorities and ask whether Christ truly occupies the center of our lives. May we seek to follow Him with generous hearts, trusting that whatever we surrender for His sake will be transformed by His grace.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus help us to place God first, carry our crosses with faith and serve others with love and generosity.