Sunday, August 17, 2025

Dear brother and sisters,

Naturally, parents deeply love their children and long to raise them in an environment of peace, joy, and last-ing happiness. They care for them tenderly and are willing to sacrifice everything for their well-being. They desire to communicate with kindness and correct with gentleness. Yet, there are times when love requires them to take on the role of the “bad cop,” especially when their children disregard family values, moral boundaries, or human dignity.

Out of deep concern for their children’s growth in faith, health, character, and success, parents may need to create emotional distance, issue firm reminders of responsibilities, and warn of consequences. Their words may sound stern, even harsh, as they emphasize discipline, obedience, and respect. In these moments, they must temporarily set aside softer expressions of affection in order to offer the kind of firm guidance that shapes maturity and integrity.

Similarly, in this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus appears in the role of the “bad cop.” His words are challenging and His message appears difficult when He speaks not of peace, but of division. Yet, He does this to emphasize the First Commandment that we must love God with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength. Jesus calls us to choose God above our personal comforts, desires, and even relation-ships if they stand in the way of following Him. He reveals the cost of true discipleship and invites us to em-brace sacrifice as an expression of sincere love. As the Good Shepherd, He warns us that following Him may bring conflict and misunderstanding, but it is the only path to truth and life. Far from being contradictory or confusing, His words in this passage highlight the discipline, obedience, and reverence required to place God above all else. They challenge us to live not by what is easy, but by what is eternally good.

Living in a materialistic world and a chaotic society where self-interest often takes priority, where physical pleasure is pursued without restraint, and where free will is misused to break natural law, undermine the com-mon good, and judge others harshly, sometimes we must step beyond the role of gentle peacemakers and take the role of the “bad cop”. Sometimes, we have to confront what is wrong in order to defend what is right. Sometimes we may need to stand against falsehood, injustice, and evil to protect our faith, uphold the truth, fight for justice, and preserve human dignity. At times, we must resist those who tempt, harm, or lead us away from faith journey. And sometimes, we may even need to distance ourselves from relatives, friends, or neigh-bors when their influence threatens our relationship with God. In all of this, our ultimate goal remains to sur-render in God, especially when the road is difficult, the cost is high, and the love we show is expressed through hard but necessary truth.

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ and Our Lady of La Vang!

Reverend Kiet Anh Ta.