SOME RELATIONSHIPS CAN'T GO WHERE GOD IS TAKING YOU!

Dr. Stephen Gregory-Augustine

 Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Mt. 10:37–38).

Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman once proclaimed: “What does it mean to be Black and Catholic? It means that I come to my Church fully functioning. I bring myself, my Black self, all that I am, all that I have, all that I hope to become.”

That declaration embodies the tension of discipleship found in Matthew 10:37–42. Jesus is not asking for cultural convenience or partial commitment. He is demanding total allegiance. In a world addicted to comfort, compromise, and moral ambiguity, Christ calls believers out of the gray and into the clarity of conviction.

We are living in a time where truth often becomes negotiable when self-gratification is elevated above holiness. Covenant is redefined according to preference, and Scripture is sometimes dismissed as outdated. Yet Jesus refuses to dilute divine truth in order to satisfy public opinion. He speaks with radical clarity: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”

This is where discipleship becomes difficult. The old folks in Brooklyn used to say, “Hold what you got and let the rest go.” 

That wisdom echoes throughout this Gospel because Jesus reminds us that no earthly relationship can replace the sovereignty of God. Family is sacred. Community is sacred. Black Catholic spirituality has always treasured the endurance of family, the strength of community, and the power of collective memory. Yet even our deepest human relationships must remain secondary to Christ! 

Mama cannot save your soul. Daddy cannot redeem your conscience. Your children cannot carry your cross. Political ideology cannot become your gospel. Social acceptance cannot become your salvation. Jesus Christ alone is Alpha and Omega — the beginning and the end — the One who sustains us when every earthly foundation begins to shake.

So, when Christ says, “Follow me,” He is not making a casual suggestion. He is issuing a divine invitation to transformation. Because some relationships cannot go where God is taking you, some relationships survive only when you remain spiritually stagnant. Some people celebrate your dysfunction but become uncomfortable with your deliverance. Others prefer the old version of you because growth exposes their unwillingness to change.

Black Catholic spirituality understands this deeply. Our ancestors carried crosses through slavery, segregation, rejection, and exclusion, yet they still worshipped. They sang through suffering. They prayed through pain. They marched with dignity while carrying both cross and hope! They understood that discipleship requires endurance.

When you truly choose Jesus, resurrection power begins to operate in your life. Grace strengthens your spirit. Mercy renews your mind. The Holy Spirit anchors your soul when the storms of life attempt to pull you under.

That is why Jesus concludes with these powerful words: “Whoever receives you receives me and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” — Matthew 10:40

Once more, Black Catholic faith tradition teaches us to keep praising anyhow — to shout hallelujah anyhow, to pray through the pain anyhow, and to expect blessings anyhow. 

Embracing the wisdom of our ancestors, we recognize that the obstacles to our miracles often stem from what we refuse to let go. With faith, we celebrate the breakthroughs to come and trust in God's unwavering presence, even when the path ahead is uncertain, knowing that the same divine force that guided our forebears continues to work wonders today. Jesus understood that some bonds must be surrendered for our journey to unfold as intended. Praise is not just an expression but an identity that stems from the joy found in Christ! The temporary losses we endure pale in comparison to the eternal life that awaits us. Amen!

Author: Dr. Stephen Gregory-Augustine McMullen, after serving honorably in the United States Navy and earning his discharge in 1986, Stephen pursued higher education at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. There, he distinguished himself academically as a member of three national honor societies: Alpha Kappa Mu, Gamma Kappa Pi, and Alpha Epsilon. He was the recipient of prestigious accolades such as the Reverend Clarence Williams Award, the Sociology Humanitarian Award, the Whitney Young Social Service Award, and numerous hospitality awards—an early reflection of his passion for serving others.

Answering the divine call to ministry, Dr. Stephen has dedicated over 35 years of service to the Catholic Church. His powerful testimony has transcended borders, inspiring countless souls through his ministry at churches and events both nationally and internationally, including in Paris, Barcelona, Germany, and Canada. Known for his charismatic preaching and heartfelt connection, he has led revivals, retreats, healing services, and conferences that bridge denominational lines and foster unity among Christians.

Dr. Stephen is not only a leader in faith but a devoted husband and father. He resides in the historic area of Conyers, Georgia, with his wife, author Aundrea McMullen, and is a cherished member of Christ Our Hope Catholic Church in Lithonia, GA.

Through his unwavering faith, servant heart, and dedication to the call of Christ, Dr. Evangelist Stephen Gregory-Augustine McMullen continues to inspire and empower lives, leaving an indelible mark on every community he touches.

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