When we think about Christianity, the prophets and disciples are always the first things that come to mind. Yet it was their persevering faith that led to the spread of Christianity amid difficult times. In today’s Gospel, we are told to put God above everyone and everything else. That’s a lofty challenge for us as followers of Christ today. The world is focused on us, as individuals, and what we want, rather than on what God wants for all of us. Sacrifice is not part of our thinking today, but getting what we want is most important.
Jesus’ message is about redemption and not perfection. Welcoming Him into our lives through our everyday acts of love, kindness, generosity and sacrifice will do more for us than the things we can accumulate. Through our faithfulness to God, we will find true happiness. And in this happiness, we can bring peace to a troubled and hurting world.