Open Arms
“...everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33)
“...everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33)
This verse reminds me of one of the striking differences between Eve and Mother Mary. Eve was disobedient by grasping at the apple, not trusting in the Lord’s goodness. While with Mother Mary we see most depictions of her with her arms open wide by her sides, ready to humbly receive whatever the Lord gives her.
The more I think of Mother Mary’s gesture, the more I want to approach life like her. I desire to carry myself with open arms of surrender, trusting in God’s plan for me. I can only imagine how much more peace I would feel if I lived as His disciple in this way.
In today’s Gospel, we are reminded that Jesus needs to be the top priority of our lives and that we need to renounce whatever is held above Him. Let’s learn from Mother Mary’s example and stop clinging onto things that get in the way of our relationship with Him.
Is there something in my life that I am choosing to cling on to instead of giving it to Jesus?
Jesus, convict our hearts of anything that is getting in the way of our relationship with you. Help us continue to learn what it means to surrender our lives to you as your disciples. Amen.
Christine Moore teaches religion and is the Director of Religious Education at the Cathedral School of St. Jude. She strives to inspire students to deepen their relationship with Christ and to encounter the beauty of the Catholic faith. Outside the classroom, Christine enjoys writing, hammocking, spending time with her loved ones, and playing volleyball and pickleball.
