Discipleship Means Prioritizing Jesus!

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Rom 13:8-10; Lk 14:25-33

In today’s Gospel, Jesus helps us understand that discipleship means prioritizing Jesus.

However, in at least three ways, Jesus makes the criteria for discipleship appear daunting. 

Hatred for the family, carrying the cross, and giving up possessions are the requirements for following Jesus. But how can we understand them? 

Hatred for Family as Undivided Loyalty: The hatred for family is not about disowning it, but about owning and prioritizing Jesus. The invitation refers to the undivided loyalty to following Jesus. It would also mean widening our circle of relationships, thanks to the faith that we all share. In that unbiased inclusion of all, we not only follow Jesus but we are united with the faith community in his name. 

Carrying the Cross as Radical Commitment: Carrying the cross signifies a radical commitment to Christian vocation. After all, Jesus carried his daily cross before he carried it to Golgotha. Insults, rejection, and sacrifices signify his experience of the cross in his public ministry. True love is measured by the cross we are ready to carry. What are we ready to endure to follow Jesus? 

Giving Up Material Possessions as a Symbol of Our Spiritual Love: When Jesus becomes our priority, our materiality cannot hold our attention. Rather, we will find in the believing community our new possession – happening in the name of Jesus. Sometimes, we will be inspired to make use of our material possessions to cater to the needs of suffering humanity, in the name of Jesus. Love for Jesus will naturally end up rejecting anything that would steal our attention. 

Building a house and planning an invasion are given as examples of doing the math before following Jesus. 

How do I prioritize Jesus as a disciple? 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar