The Gospel mentions a man who wanted to follow Jesus but he wanted permission to bury his father first. Jesus told him, "Let the dead bury the dead." The man had to choose between burying his father and following Jesus. I don't understand this passage. I've heard of priests who attended their fathers' funerals. I know of a sister who was given permission to go and take care of her ailing mother. I know of a priest who helps his mother. Even St. Anthony of Padua (according to a bio on him)arranged for his companion to be tranferred closer to his mother. How can these things be allowed when Our Lord made it very clear that they weren't allowed or am I misunderstanding the passage? Thank you for the clarification.

For the most part--except for hermits and other cloistered religious--this should not be taken literally. Three points to be considered:

Our Lord was emphasizing the need to put the Kingdom of God above EVERYTHING else (a form of hyperbole to make a point)

Our Lord was making a distinction between those spiritually dead (those who do not follow him (the father) and those who do (the son who has the opportunity then to do so)

It may be that the father was not yet dead, but the son was saying, in effect, wait until my family connections are severed and then I will follow you.

Thanks, Linda

Father Echert

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