September 8 - Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time : Hating our own life

 

 

First Reading Sirach 3:17-18,20,28-29
Humble yourself and you will find favor with God

 

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 68:4-7,10-11
The just rejoice and exult before God.

 

Second Reading Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24
You have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.

 

Gospel Reading
Luke 14:1,7-14

 

We have yet to comment on the phrase “hating our own life”. This is just an extension of the earlier part. Jesus wants our lives to be lived in total truth and love. Our lives are not to be determined and manipulated by attachments, desires, ambitions or fears and anxieties which can become very much part of ourselves. We are to live in total freedom. “None of you can be my disciples unless he gives up all his possessions.” It is the ability to let go, even of health and life itself. Any aspect of a person or anything that lessens that freedom to follow truth and love is to be “hated” and transcended. Today's teachings are addressed to people who have not yet made the option for discipleship but are considering it. It reminds Luke's Christian readers of the choice they have already undertaken.