Gospel Reading: Phil 2:12-18
GREAT crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”
GREAT CROWDS WERE TRAVELING WITH JESUS
Jesus is going to Jerusalem. He started his journey from Galilee (cf 9:51). As he passes by Samaria, great crowds join him. People journey with him to listen to his teachings.
As Jesus moves forward, he turns to the crowds following him to teach them. Discipleship entails prioritizing him. Those who are qualified to be his disciples must be detached from their loved ones. They must take their cue from Jesus, not from their family.
Moreover, the disciples must work with their hands. In the journey, they must do their share. They can help in cooking, in carrying the provisions, in washing clothes and dishes, pitching tents, and securing their encampments. No one should be acting like a landlord. The group of Jesus travels in a caravan, not without carrying anything as we see them portrayed in pictures or the movies. Disciples of Christ cannot be lazy and without initiative.
Finally, in the journey, would-be disciples must discern how far they can go. Discipleship is a lifelong commitment, not a passing fancy or joining a bandwagon.
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Unless we are willing to sever our family ties and renounce our assets, we cannot complete the journey and become Jesus’ disciples.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
