Not Home Yet!

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Ez 28:1-10; Mt 19:23-30

Today’s Gospel highlights the reward of discipleship. 

Jesus explains the difference between the rich, who could not follow him, and his apostles, who could leave behind everything to be with him. 

The rich are hesitant to follow Jesus because it is habitual for them to think of maximizing their profits. If so, what good is discipleship to maximize their returns? Since the rich have nothing material to gain from their discipleship, they are discouraged from following Jesus. 

However, the apostles of Jesus had the audacity to give up everything for the sake of following him. Though they did not gain any material benefits, words cannot describe the spiritual patrimony they had been endowed with. They found their wealth and treasure in Jesus. 

If so, how can we understand the reward of discipleship that Jesus promises? 

There is a beautiful story that can enlighten us in this regard. 

A retiring missionary was coming home to his native country on the same ship as the president of his country. Cheering crowds, military bands, red carpet banners, and the media welcomed the president home, but the missionary slipped off the ship unnoticed. Feeling self-pity and resentment, he began complaining to God. Then God gently reminded him, ‘But my child, you are not home yet.’ 

Jesus’ reward of discipleship follows a unique definition that guarantees joy. 

For Jesus, it is not what we hold back but what we give up for his sake that gives us joy. 

Let us discover our joy in following Jesus!

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar