This passage speaks to us about choice and the cost of discipleship. Jesus is not
asking us to hate our family, not at all, what he is asking is that we choose him
above all. The word “hate” is a very strong word and makes us, the
reader, feel
uncomfortable, especially as Jesus is referring to our family, the ones we love
the most. In Matthew’s gospel, the message is the same but the wording is
gentler “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of
me” (Matt 1:37)
Ultimately, Jesus is calling us to follow him above all others, to put him first, to
choose him. Jesus is asking for our undivided loyalty to himself above family
loyalties.
Loyalty is another big theme in this passage. To be a disciple of Jesus, we need
to drop
everything, pick up our cross and follow him. There is no place for self
interest or our own agenda when following Jesus, there is no free ride when we
follow him. The cost of discipleship is high but the rewards are priceless.
Jesus uses very strong imagery and his reference to the cross could be an
indication that he was aware that he may be crucified. It was a shameful way to
die, naked and exposed, completely vulnerable.
We all have our own cross to bear and at times this cross seems way too heavy
but Jesus shows us that although life is not easy at times, he will walk with us
and guide us through the heavy times. Our “cross” is not meant to be pleasant.
God doesn’t want us to suffer but, in any life and vocation (married life,
parenthood, priesthood, being a doctor et al), we will all have a cross to bear,
there will be a certain amount of suffering or some “payment”. We have to
accept
this cross. Difficult things happen to those who believe in Jesus. Fr
James Martin SJ, when asked about the prosperity Gospel recently, said “It’s all
Easter Sunday and no Good Friday”. I think, that without our cross, our lives
would be the same.
Our cross can also become a blessing as we
identify with Jesus and accept our
own humanity. But it still remains a cross, it is not easy or fun and can affect the
whole family or community that we are in. We need to learn to accept our cross,
our cost of discipleship. Everyone’s life is a mixed bag and we have good and
bad (our cross).
Bearing our cross makes us spiritually stronger and we don’t
see it until the time has passed.
Today I invite you to examine the cost of discipleship in your life. Where do
your loyalties lie? What, do you feel, is your cross?
