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Gospel Commentary for August 8, 2025
At first, reading today’s Gospel words from Jesus can make us feel a bit uncomfortable. We might even think — if we let ourselves — that Jesus is being a little harsh, too demanding: to follow Him, to be with Him, we have to deny ourselves. It sounds as if He’s saying I have to disappear, cancel myself out, stop being who I am. Honestly, that’s hard to accept. At first.
But let’s think about it with a little common sense. The truth is, in history and in the world around us, we see people so obsessed with themselves — so focused on their own health, money, and power — that they end up ruining their lives and becoming completely alone. That’s what happens when you put yourself at the center of the universe and constantly stare at your own belly button. Other people become satellites — people we use only when they’re useful to us. And usually, those others either get angry and walk away, or they place themselves in such a low position that it’s impossible to have a real relationship with them — a relationship that is human and fulfilling.
The truth is, if I live that way — like I just described — I’ll end up alone. And I’ll miss out on the best part of life: relationships with others, love, friendship, human connection. All the truly valuable things in life. And to have those kinds of relationships, the first thing I have to do is stop being the center of everything. Or, in Jesus’ words, I have to deny myself, take up my cross, and walk with my brothers and sisters — not to use them, but as one of them. That’s when I’ll truly gain life. I’ll find what really gives life its value: friendship, affection, love. That’s what the Kingdom of God is all about — the Kingdom that Jesus talks about so often.
From this perspective, Jesus doesn’t seem too demanding. He’s simply speaking with a lot of common sense. Because, really — what good is it for someone to gain the whole world, if they ruin their own life?