THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
First Reading: Wisdom 9: 13-18
Second Reading: Philemon 9-10 and 12-17
Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 25-33
*First reading is from the book of Wisdom. Faced with the mysteries of the universe, we are ignorant of the meaning , history and the mind of the Lord God. But the Lord God has bestowed us with the gift of wisdom. The Lord God sends His Holy Spirit so that we may always walk in the right path so as to conduct our affairs prudently.
*Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Philemon. Paul advises Philemon concerning his slave Onesimus who had run away and somehow reached Paul who was in prison.Listening to Paul, Onesimus became a believer in the Lord Jesus. Paul urges Philemon to take Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.
Renunciation, the most important condition for discipleship Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus explains to his prospective followers the cost of being His disciple. The context is that of Jesus' instructions to His would-be disciples. He tells them that to follow Him, first and foremost, they should evaluate and count the cost of being a disciple. He makes two demands: The first is, to hate one's family and even one's own self. The second is that one has to take up one's crosses and follow Him. Hence Jesus makes it clear that one must be ready to sacrifice one's dearest things in life: Family ties and one's own very self. In certain situations in life, a disciple may have to choose between Jesus and what is very dear to him/her. Jesus further explains this message through two parables. He makes it clear that discipleship has to be taken seriously. It could mean that a disciple has to undergo many sufferings, persecutions and even death. History of the Church reminds us that discipleship had cost much sufferings and bloodshed. As in any other sphere of life, one has to weigh the pros and cons before taking a final decision. Hence, one must calculate the cost before venturing to become a disciple of Jesus. Accepting the cross gives us immense graces that will lead us to eternal life. Blessed Mother Mary is the perfect example of true discipleship.
"The first call which every Christian experiences is the call to abandon the attachment to this world." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"The key (to discipleship) is not to ignore life's demands but simply to integrate them to your life of faith. That is why Jesus teaches that we are to seek the Kingdom first and then all else will be provided." - D.M. Bickerstaff
"To deny oneself is to be aware only of Christ and no more self." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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