Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: I think both of our readings get to the same end but from different directions and thus they offer us some food for thought.
 
First, in St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans we are reminded what the focus of our life needs to be. St. Paul’s reminds us of the commandments and the fact that all of commandments are based on love. As St. Paul says love is the fulfilment of law. However, the point that St. Paul makes in today’s reading that often goes unnoticed is that in order to love others, in order to fulfil the law with love we first must love ourselves. If we cannot find love within ourselves how are we ever going to love others and love God? Thus, for St. Paul it is about focus, it is about centering our life.
 
The same can be said for the Gospel also. What seem to be harsh words by Jesus as the Gospel begins today are perhaps just a different way of getting our attention. The open words of Jesus today seem to go against everything he is teaching. Yet, I believe the real point of the Gospel today whether it is Jesus’ opening challenge or the two stories that follow is – What is your Focus in life? Who is the center of your life?
 
Our focus as people of faith needs to be God. If we have God at the center, then everything else will fall into place. If we place God first, then love, then family, then the tasks of life will take us down the right road on our journey to the Kingdom!
 
Have a great Wednesday everyone!