A sermon on Luke 14:25-33

Fr. Mike Paraniuk
HCP columnist

There is this wonderful person I met at Children's Hospital named John. He is winning his battle against cancer because of his deep faith, limitless hope and loving support of caring family and friends. 

John is an adult who has dedicated his life to something he really loves – motorcycle racing. That is where he met someone he really loves – his wife who also races motorcycles. John also teaches motorcycle racing to up and coming aspirants to the sport.

I asked him what is the most important lesson a racer must learn. Without hesitation, John answered, "know your limitations and overcome them." 

He wants to beat his speed record of 183 miles per hour. I can't fathom going that fast. I drive so slow the Amish pass me on Route 138 with their horse and buggy. 

Luke tells us that a great crowd "traveled" with Jesus. That is not the same as "following" Jesus. To travel with Jesus is easy. No commitments. No need to change my life. If Jesus says something I don't like, I can just leave. 

This is exactly what happened when Jesus said, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them." (John 6:56.) Ten verses later, John writes, "At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him." (John 6:66.) Those who left Jesus were limited by their lack of faith.

You who follow Jesus must make a commitment to Him that will change your life forever. Jesus must now take the top spot in your life, your heart, your soul, your mind. 

When Jesus says you must "hate" your family that is His way of saying He must come first even over loving your family. I left my family in 1965 at 14 years of age to enter the seminary to follow Jesus as a priest. I was a scared little boy who had to say goodbye. But Jesus gave me a multitude of blessings when I gave my life to Him. 

Serving the people of God with the Body and Blood of Jesus and praying over the sick children in the hospital has brought me more joy than my family or possessions could ever give me. To possess Jesus is the greatest gift of all. 

Jesus knows what He asks of His followers is hard. This is why it is so important to "know your limitations and overcome them" as John the motorcycle racer has advised. What keeps you from being "unable to finish the work" of following Jesus? What is the biggest limitation to growth in the spiritual life? 

Sin. Lucifer was the most beautiful and powerful of all the angels. But he wanted to be greater than God. He lost everything. You are beautifully made in the image of God. When you sin, you make yourself greater than God. You lose His beautiful likeness in your soul. You overcome sin with virtue. It makes you more like God. The greatest virtue is Love. "But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (1 John 4:8.) Every day when you get out of bed ask God this question. "Who do you want me to love today and how should I do it?"

Don't be afraid to embrace your limitations. You can't control everything. This forces you to rely on God whose love for you is limitless. Never lose sight of this blessing. You can get through any trial when you are loved. The following is a true story from John.

I lost my leg when I was 19. I was dating a girl at that time and we were very much in love. After a while, she suddenly decided to move abroad, claiming that she wanted to earn some money for us. 

I wanted to believe her, but was convinced that she was lying. I told her we needed to break up and that it would be better for her. One month later, my doorbell rang. I took my crutches, opened the door and there she was. I didn't even manage to get a word out before she slapped me and I fell down. She kneeled down beside me, hugged me and said, "You're an idiot! I didn't run away from you. We're going to the hospital tomorrow and there's a prosthesis waiting for you. I went abroad to earn money so you'll be able to walk again – do you understand?" I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I couldn't utter a single word – I just hugged her tightly and cried.

I pray John the motorcycle racer will soon get his leg prosthesis and go racing with his wife again. She may even let him win. Now that's love. Blessings...Fr. Mike.