THE CHALLENGE OF FOLLOWING CHRIST TODAY OR THE COST OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP. (LUKE 14:25-33).

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When we reflect and meditate on today’s Gospel (Luke 14:25-33), we find a message that resonates with profound and often challenging implications for us Christians today. When Jesus noticed that a large crowd was following him, he then addressed this challenging message to them.  Jesus’ words emphasize the necessity for total commitment, surpassing even the deepest familial bonds and personal ambitions. This call to prioritize Him above all else summons believers into a radical reevaluation of their life’s priorities. It is an invitation to follow Jesus in a radical manner, allowing him to be the central axis around which everything else rotates. Given that being a Christian means following Jesus, we can say that today’s Gospel is of utmost importance for us.

Jesus said: “Whoever does not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciples.” The metaphor of bearing one’s cross is particularly striking in today’s context. It symbolizes a willingness to embrace hardships and challenges that are part of being disciples of Jesus. This message is particularly important for our society where the gospel of prosperity is omnipresent. When we understand that we have all been saved and continue to be saved by the Cross of Jesus, we will voluntarily accept sufferings that occur because of our discipleship.

Concretely what does it mean to carry ones’ Cross as a Christian? First of all, it is important to say that Jesus is not in any way exalting or praising sufferings, hardships, etc. Rather he wants us to always remember the price he paid for our salvation. Therefore, to carry one’s cross is to follow his examples. Jesus was ridiculed, rejected, spit at, accused unjustly, betrayed, hated, etc. Following Him means that we should be ready to accept being ridiculed or ostracized for our faith. This could come from social pressure, verbal abuse, or even exclusion from certain groups, activities; all because of our faith in Christ. 

Secondly, Jesus is challenging us to stand up for what we believe in, even when it’s unpopular. When we stand for sacredness of life, speak against injustice, defend the marginalized, the little ones, we should be ready to face persecution. Sometimes, this persecution could come from our closed friends, relatives, family members. Carrying one’s Cross equally means accepting to experience hardship, suffering, that could come from illness, poverty, natural disasters. By offering all these to God in prayer, we can grow closer to God and unite with the sufferings of Jesus.

Often following Jesus in this manner leads to practice of self-denial and sacrifice. When we learn to give up our personal desires and ambitions for the sake of following Christ, prioritizing service to others over our personal gain, sacrifice our time, resources for the sake of Christ, we carry our cross. To be able to forgive those who wronged us, to show compassion and kindness even to those who do not love us, is to carry one’s cross behind Christ.

So, Jesus is telling a crystal-clear truth: following Him comes with a cost. To illustrate this, he used the analogy of a builder estimating the cost or a king considering the feasibility of war. It is an invitation for us to embark on an introspection of our lives and acknowledge the sacrifices and lifestyle changes that following Jesus entails.

What makes these teachings of Jesus so challenging is the degree of radical commitment they demand in a world brimming with pleasure, luxury, fame, pride, and competing loyalties. To follow Christ in the way He describes is to embark on a journey of continual personal transformation, often against societal norms and personal comforts.

Let us embrace this call to introspection, to experience a deep, transformative relationship with Christ. It's not merely about adhering to a set of rules or rituals but about a profound inner change that redefines our identity and priorities as disciples of Jesus. The challenge for us lies in embracing this call with sincerity and courage, and humility, open hearts, and a willingness to submit to the transformative power of Christ. We will experience inner joy and liberty that only Jesus can give us, for He came so that we might have life in abundance (John 10:10).

 

 

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, in the light of Your Word in Luke 14:25-33, we humbly come before You, seeking the grace to truly understand and embrace the depth of discipleship You call us to. Grant us, O Lord, the courage to prioritize You above all else, even when it challenges our deepest bonds and personal desires.

 

Help us to bear our crosses with resilience, finding strength and hope in You amidst the trials and tribulations of life. Instill in us a spirit of discernment to count the costs of following You, not with reluctance but with a heart full of joy and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Your kingdom.

Transform us from within, that we may not only adhere to Your teachings but embody them in every aspect of our lives.

May our journey of faith be a testament to Your unending love and grace, as we strive to live out the true essence of discipleship, marked by unwavering faith, enduring hope, and boundless love.

We make our prayers through Christ our Lord! Amen. 🙏🙏🙏



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