July 15, 2026
— Rosalind Goforth · Source: The Life of John the Old Man
Matthew 10:37-38 Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, nor their son or daughter more than me, nor anyone who does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
John's wedding vow to "put the Lord first" resonates deeply with Jesus' declaration in the Gospel of Matthew. Placing God above one's beloved spouse and family is not cold-hearted, but rather a return of love to its proper order. Human weakness often leads us to idolize family ties or comfort, but true piety is learning to revere God before loving others. Taking up one's cross means dismantling the throne of self, willingly allowing the life of Christ to reign supreme on the seemingly "shabby" and arduous path of missionary work.
John's wedding vow to "put the Lord first" resonates deeply with Jesus' declaration in the Gospel of Matthew. Placing God above one's beloved spouse and family is not cold-hearted, but rather a return of love to its proper order. Human weakness often leads us to idolize family ties or comfort, but true piety is learning to revere God before loving others. Taking up one's cross means dismantling the throne of self, willingly allowing the life of Christ to reign supreme on the seemingly "shabby" and arduous path of missionary work.