Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Roger Solis SVD – University of San Carlos, Cebu City
It might sound ironic to quarrel with family members especially with parents. First, it contradicts the fourth commandment of honoring one’s father and mother. Second, it deviates from the cultural practices of respecting the decision of the elders.
But what Jesus is trying to convey in today’s Gospel is that when members of the family are deviating from what is just and good, there is nothing wrong with going against their position. Some cultures find it very difficult to go against the tide, especially in matters concerning the decision of parents and elders, even if this deviates from what is just, true and good.
This is one of the many reasons why oppression still exists within the context of the family. Jesus wants us to be liberated from these long standing abuses because suppression of justice contradicts the very essence of Christianity.
Many people in the past have chosen to be silent instead of fighting what they believed to be right and just. The fear of being excluded in the family draws them back because manipulation of other family members is stronger than their principles in life.
Jesus is reminding us what true discipleship is all about. It means putting into our lives what we have learned from what is true, just and good; making it real and concrete through our actions even if it means going against the distorted notion of family members and elders, and fighting for what is beneficial for the common good.
As long as we have God in our lives, nobody can destroy our principles because before he went up to heaven Jesus promised us that he would always be with us until the end of time.
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