Because of what He had said, “I am not come to send peace but a sword, &c.” that none might suppose that family affection was banished from His religion, He now adds, “He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” So in the Song of Songs we read, “Order love in me.” [2:4] For this order is needed in every affection; after God love thy father, thy mother, and thy children; but if a necessity should occur that the love of parents and children comes into competition with the love of God, and where both cannot be preserved, remember that hatred of our kindred becomes then love to God. He forbids not to love parent or child, but adds emphatically, “more than me.”
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).