Jesus Himself answered this: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26)
Truthfully, these words of Jesus are not easy to understand. How should we accept this teaching that we must hate our parents, spouse, children, brothers and sisters, even our own life? Surely he isn't referring to actual hatred within families. The hint may lie in the words He added at the end of the following parable: "In the same way, any of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple." (14:33)
The path of following Christ is the path of renunciation, the path of letting go. Of course, the 'renunciation of possessions' spoken of here differs from what Buddhism teaches. It is not merely about discarding what one has or severing the mind's greed and attachments, but about realizing that everything I possess is a gift from God.
St. Paul also once said to the Corinthians: "What do you have that you did not receive? If everything you have is received, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? You are already full! You have already become rich!" (1 Cor 4:7-8)
When we think about it, what do we possess that we did not receive? Life, gender, name, family, parents, siblings, home, clothing, food, various possessions. Upon waking to consciousness, we find all these things given to us.
Although some things may be unsatisfactory, there are also blessings to be found. Especially when I think of my parents and grandparents, family elders, relatives, and siblings who shower me with boundless, warm love—aren't we living in an ocean of grace? Isn't God constantly giving to us through all these people? Moreover, isn't everything that exists a blessed gift prepared by the Lord? Even the beautiful nature and environment!
Of course, one might harbor complaints, wondering, "Why did He give me only this?" This occurs when we compare ourselves to others and perceive ourselves as lacking, or when we experience discomfort due to poor health or a troubled mind. It also happens when those around us become a heavy burden. Especially parents, siblings, family members, or community members can sometimes be a significant burden to us.
While we cannot deny this, I wonder if these difficulties might be precisely what we need to abandon everything and follow the Lord.
There are countless opportunities to realize that we are beings who ultimately receive everything from God, only to lay it all down and return to Him.
In that sense, life is a school where we learn to let go and to be grateful. We can truly 'possess' nothing. Our life, talents, appearance, age, parents, children, siblings, acquaintances, property, possessions, money—all these are things and people we will leave behind. The moment we realize this truth, we will understand that the only thing we can truly possess is the Lord Himself, and that the happiest moment in life is when he possesses us, and Him alone.
At this time, the Lord calls us to the sea of grace. To a life of joy and happiness given to His children. He invites us to continue living a life of gratitude, following the Lord.
