THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
Introduction: The challenges of becoming a disciple of Jesus are amply explained in today's Gospel. Discipleship is a serious commitment that requires much thought and careful deliberation. It is a venture that demands total dedication. Everything else become secondary if Jesus is to be the Lord of our life. When Jesus says that we must hate our family members, He is using a semitic expression meaning that we must give the first preference to Him and to nothing else.
First Reading: Wisdom 9: 13 to 18
Second Reading: Philemon 9 to 10 and 12 to 17
Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 25 to 33
*First reading is from the book of Wisdom. Faced with the great 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 the letter of St. Paul to Philemon. Philemon was a Colossian brought to faith in Jesus by Paul. Paul advises Philemon concerning his slave Onesimus who had run away and somehow reached Paul who was in prison. Listening to Paul, Onesimus becomes a believer in the Lord Jesus. Paul urges Philemon to take back Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.
Renunciation: An important requirement for discipleship Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus explains the cost of becoming a disciple to His followers. These instructions are given in the context of the fact that many wanted to become His disciples. Jesus tells them the following: 1. They should evaluate and count the cost of being His disciples. 2. Jesus demands that he/she should hate one's family and even one's own very self. 3. A disciple of Jesus has to take up his/her crosses daily 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 life. In certain situations in life, a disciple may have to choose between Jesus and what is very dear to him/her. Jesus elaborates this message of renunciation through two parables. 1. One who intends to build a tower needs to sit down and estimate the cost of completing it. Later if he/she is unable to finish the work, he/she will become a laughing stock for others. 2. A king who goes to war against another king has to first sit down and evaluate the possibility of winning the war with his current resources. It not, he looks for terms of peace to settle the conflict. Jesus makes it very clear that discipleship has to be taken seriously. It could mean that a disciple has to undergo many sufferings, persecutions and even death. The history of the Church constantly reminds us that discipleship had cost much suffering and bloodshed throughout the centuries. As in any 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 crosses gives us immense graces that will lead us to eternal life. Blessed Mother Mary is the perfect example of true discipleship. In this context, Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "The first call which every Christian experiences is the call to abandon the attachment to this world." D. M. Bickerstaff says: "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." Again, Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "To deny oneself is to be aware only of Christ and no more self."
Conclusion: We have to count the cost before we commit ourselves to accompany Jesus on His journey to Jerusalem, where He will die and rise. If we are unwilling to give up our sinful inclinations, or change a lifestyle opposed to the Gospel values, or do not want to make some sacrifices to lend a helping hand to our neighbour, we can't call ourselves true disciples of Jesus. Whatever may be our losses in this life due to our commitment to the Lord, we can be confident that it is nothing compared to the heavenly glory that we will experience at the resurrection.
May the Lord Jesus, who gave His life for our salvation, bless you and grant you the grace to follow Him with total commitment. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, September 7, 2025." Thanks.)
