A Psychologist looks at Scripture
In this 8-10 minute podcast, I as a psychologist and a priest use my training and skills to examine the Gospels. I will present alternative interpretations and insights into the meaning of Scripture for men and women in the 21st century.
I can be reached at peter.dohertyomi@gmail.com.
A Psychologist looks at Scripture
June 28, 2026 Mt 10.37-42 God or Everything Else: Why He Refuses to Be Second
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At first hearing, this Gospel may seem somewhat jarring. However, its central theme is not unfamiliar. It echoes the foundation of our faith. Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and that the second is to love your neighbor as yourself, as found in Matthew 22:36–40. At the same time, Scripture also calls us to honor our father and mother, and we recall the powerful account of Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22. Across these passages, a consistent thread emerges: God is to be the most important relationship in our lives. As we have noted before, Jesus often used strong and even extreme language to emphasize his message.
Hello, and welcome. Whether you are a regular listener or joining for the first time, I am grateful that you are here.
My name is Peter Doherty. I am a Catholic priest and psychologist with a particular interest in the relationship between psychology and spirituality. Although these two fields have often viewed one another with some suspicion, they are, in fact, deeply complementary. Sound psychological insight can strengthen spiritual life, while authentic spirituality—grounded in psychological well-being—can deepen meaning, resilience, and everyday functioning.
This podcast reflects on the Gospel reading for the coming week. It is intended as a resource for those preparing homilies, as well as for anyone who teaches, studies, or simply wishes to engage more deeply with Scripture. Drawing on psychological research, biblical scholarship, and anthropological perspectives, I aim to make the Gospel both accessible and relevant to modern listeners. I also approach Scripture as a guide for faith and human development, recognizing that the biblical authors wrote within a worldview different from our own, offering rich and layered insights into identity, suffering, and hope.
Today’s reflection is based on Matthew 10:37–42.
At first hearing, this Gospel may appear somewhat jarring. However, its central theme is not unfamiliar. It echoes the foundation of our faith. Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and that the second is to love your neighbor as yourself, as found in Matthew 22:36–40. At the same time, Scripture also calls us to honor our father and mother, and we recall the powerful account of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac in Genesis 22. Across these passages, a consistent thread emerges: God is to be the most important relationship in our lives. As we have noted before, Jesus often used strong and even extreme language to emphasize his message.
It is noteworthy that, in this passage, Jesus focuses on family relationships. Family life plays a critical role in both psychological and spiritual development. Within families, we form our identity, learn how to love, develop conflict resolution skills, and acquire our values and moral framework. Our earliest experiences of love and attachment shape how we relate to others throughout life.
Among therapists, the term “dysfunctional family” is often used, but I tend to resist it, as it implies that a perfectly functional family exists. In reality, all families experience some level of dysfunction, though to varying degrees. The term itself emerged from therapeutic work with individuals affected by alcoholism, where recurring behavioral patterns were observed. For example, adult children of alcoholics may struggle with trust and develop heightened vigilance. These responses are understandable, as they were adaptive in unpredictable environments when they were children. However, when overdeveloped, they can create challenges in life and later relationships.
During my time as a school psychologist, I was frequently asked to work with students experiencing behavioral difficulties. It was often disheartening to realize that the child, identified as the problem, was in fact expressing distress rooted in family circumstances. In many cases, meaningful progress required working not only with the child but also with the family system, focusing on both healing and practical change.
In light of this, we might consider whether Jesus is also reminding us that a strong and central relationship with God contributes to healthier family life. In my own research, including a chapter I contributed to the book, “Diversity and Addictions Counselling”, I explored the relationship between spirituality, addiction, and mental health. The evidence suggests that a strong spiritual foundation can serve as a significant resource in supporting a healthy and stable life.
This Gospel also introduces the powerful metaphor of the cross as a description of discipleship. For the early Christian community, particularly those familiar with the reality of crucifixion, the call to “take up one’s cross” would have been deeply unsettling. Jesus is conveying that difficult and even heartbreaking experiences may play a role in our path to salvation. While we are not called to seek out suffering, if and when it arises, it can become a source of growth and transformation.
Jesus further teaches that those who lose their life will find it. This may refer to physical death and resurrection, but it can also be understood more broadly. It may point to the paradox that those who surrender their own plans and expectations in order to follow Christ often discover a deeper and fuller life.
Finally, Jesus emphasizes the closeness of God in our relationships. He teaches that how we treat others is, in effect, how we treat God. In this way, Christ identifies himself with those we encounter. At the same time, his words about losing one’s life suggest that this transformation is not only relational but also deeply internal, touching the very core of our identity.
Thank you for joining me today. If you find this podcast helpful, I invite you to listen each week. I also welcome your questions and reflections, and I encourage you to share the podcast with others who may benefit. If you are listening on YouTube, you can support the podcast by subscribing and leaving a review. I would also be interested to know where you are listening from.
Next Sunday, July 5, 2026, we will reflect on Matthew 11:25–30, where Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to him and find rest. We will explore the depth and meaning of that invitation.
New episodes are released every Sunday, focusing on the upcoming Gospel. Special thanks to Heather Patel Doherty and Richard Coulombe for their continued support.
May God bless you.