The message in today’s scripture may appear rather grim...it all focuses on suffering and the reality that as followers of Jesus Christ we are going to have to sacrifice something.
The cost of discipleship means not avoiding the tough issues of life. Jesus tells the disciples that they will need to carry their own crosses. We can’t avoid it -- like Peter wanted Jesus to do. We will have to “carry” the problems and difficulties of our lives...all of the sorrows, illnesses and losses that come our way.
We are not “protected” from suffering as disciples of Jesus were. Rather, we are accompanied by Jesus in our sufferings! And, that reality makes all the difference! Having faith that our God does not abandon us in our times of darkness helps us get through the darkness. It becomes a light “in” the darkness -- in the midst of the suffering.
Jesus didn’t walk away from suffering; he accepted it. And even in the midst of dying, he reached out to the one suffering next to him and offered the repentant thief comfort.
Jesus does not say that suffering in and of itself is good...but rather warns us that in choosing to follow him we will be called to sacrifice; to give of ourselves for the sake of the other.
We are being called to let go of our self-centeredness and open ourselves to the sacrifices required in building up the Reign of God. It’s a radical call from Jesus. How radical will my response be? Sometimes the response may be large and bold, and sometimes it may be small and more subdued. It may be a grand outward gesture or perhaps a more personal response like working on a character flaw, living more intentionally or trying to be ever more aware of how I treat others and how I show others respect and care on a daily basis in my life.
Surely one part of the response to Jesus’ call is standing up for the voiceless and those whose voices are ignored and disregarded. Part of my radical response to the call of discipleship is to be willing to give up some aspects of my personal comfort for the sake of the Gospel, for the sake of the needs of the poor, the immigrant and those marginalized by hatred, racism and bigotry.
What sacrifices for others am I being called to make as a disciple of Jesus Christ? What might I be asked to let go of in my life that I might be better able to help carry “the crosses” of others? To what personal action is my discipleship calling me this week?
Blessings,
Fr. Tim
The cost of discipleship means not avoiding the tough issues of life. Jesus tells the disciples that they will need to carry their own crosses. We can’t avoid it -- like Peter wanted Jesus to do. We will have to “carry” the problems and difficulties of our lives...all of the sorrows, illnesses and losses that come our way.
We are not “protected” from suffering as disciples of Jesus were. Rather, we are accompanied by Jesus in our sufferings! And, that reality makes all the difference! Having faith that our God does not abandon us in our times of darkness helps us get through the darkness. It becomes a light “in” the darkness -- in the midst of the suffering.
Jesus didn’t walk away from suffering; he accepted it. And even in the midst of dying, he reached out to the one suffering next to him and offered the repentant thief comfort.
Jesus does not say that suffering in and of itself is good...but rather warns us that in choosing to follow him we will be called to sacrifice; to give of ourselves for the sake of the other.
We are being called to let go of our self-centeredness and open ourselves to the sacrifices required in building up the Reign of God. It’s a radical call from Jesus. How radical will my response be? Sometimes the response may be large and bold, and sometimes it may be small and more subdued. It may be a grand outward gesture or perhaps a more personal response like working on a character flaw, living more intentionally or trying to be ever more aware of how I treat others and how I show others respect and care on a daily basis in my life.
Surely one part of the response to Jesus’ call is standing up for the voiceless and those whose voices are ignored and disregarded. Part of my radical response to the call of discipleship is to be willing to give up some aspects of my personal comfort for the sake of the Gospel, for the sake of the needs of the poor, the immigrant and those marginalized by hatred, racism and bigotry.
What sacrifices for others am I being called to make as a disciple of Jesus Christ? What might I be asked to let go of in my life that I might be better able to help carry “the crosses” of others? To what personal action is my discipleship calling me this week?
Blessings,
Fr. Tim
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