But Jesus answered him, “Follow me,
and let the dead bury their dead.”

matthew 8:22

Matthew 8:18-22

Reflection

When Jesus is about to cross to another shore, a scribe comes to him and says that he will follow Jesus wherever he goes. Jesus tells him that the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head. Another disciple then approaches him and asks to bury his father first before following him, but Jesus replies that he should let the dead bury their dead.

Jesus is calling these disciples to give up everything and follow him. They have other obligations and want to attend to them first, but Jesus is telling them he comes first, not these other ‘duties.’ When we follow Christ, he becomes our priority in life. This is not to say that Jesus doesn’t want you to attend to your other obligations, such as providing financially for your family or taking care of a sick parent, but that your priority is now shifted to heavenly things.

When we strive to make Christ the center of our life, we focus on what his will for us is, not our own. Many times, this will include your important and necessary obligations. However, perhaps your outlook on them may change and you may approach them in a different manner, one that is more Christ-like. Jesus wants us to give him everything. When we do, our lives are dramatically transformed and he provides for us in unforeseen ways. How can you dedicate your life to Christ today?

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Saint of the Day

First Holy Martyrs of the Roman Church: died ca. AD 64

These people were the first martyrs of the Roman Catholic Church. Falsely accused of burning Rome by Emperor Nero, they were killed in various ways – some by crucifixion, some fed to animals, and some used as living torches. Holy Martyrs, pray for us!