Disciples must act as brother and sister toward those who are different, whether by physical ability or any other status marker. For some disciples, this new family will cause tension and even rupture in one’s biological family.

Freeing the heart from attachment to anything but God’s love and God’s realm is the next step in obedience.

The Gospel challenges the idea that God sends suffering to test or challenge or strengthen us and insists that God desires only good for us. We do not have to badger God or bargain with God to give us good things.

The Gospel today shows us in parable form what the “greed that is idolatry” looks like.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C), July 18, 2010