"He that liveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Mt. 10:37)

The entire Gospel teaches that we should leave the lesser for the sake of the greater; the transient for the enduring, the worst for the best, the less valuable for the more valuable.

If the Good News did not promise greater worth, who would leave the lesser? If the Gospel did not reveal the splendor of precious goods, who would leave the cheaper goods? Who would leave milk and honey if he did not find something sweeter? Who would leave father and mother if he did not find someone closer in kinship? Who would leave children and friends if he did not recognize someone more dear? Who would willingly give his life over to suffering and death if he did not perceive immortal life?

The Lord Christ is sweeter than milk and honey; He is a closer kinsman to us than our father and mother; more dear to us than our own children and friends; more precious than all visible treasures; more costly than this life, for He gives life eternal. Compared to Him, everything in the world is inferior, trivial, bitter; weak, cheap and transitory. To whoever receives Him, it is easy to leave everything, because he has received the best and Him Who is the very best.

O Lord Jesus, Treasury of all eternal riches, help us to unbind ourselves from everything and to cling to Thee, our God and our Life.

To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen.

The Prologue of Ohrid, Vol. I
13 February, Homily