Few would disagree that our relationship with our family is the most important relationship in our lives. Second only to it, most of us would place our relationship to the people of our own race or culture or nation. We almost define ourselves by these relationships. We draw strength and meaning from them. In turn, we grow through a loving, positive contribution to their growth and welfare. The loneliness we feel when separated from them show how much they mean to us. As time goes by we stand more on our own feet and learn to avoid the dangerous exaggerations that can accompany family and national loyalty. These relationships, however, are God's gift to us and must always be dear to our hearts.

And yet, God-given as they are, they are not ultimate in our lives. Today's readings suggest that a relationship with Christ, characterized by obedience to his teaching, may on certain very unusual occasions demand we sacrifice these relationships for a more ultimate loyalty.

This same loving relationship with Christ may also enable us to overcome potentially divisive cultural differences. Seeing others with the eyes of Christ we may move closer to their human core where God dwells. We may become one with them in Christ.