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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