CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: WHAT IS INVOLVED

REFLECTION FOR 13TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR – C

THEME: CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: WHAT IS INVOLVED

R1: 1 Kings 19:16.19-21

R2:  Galatians 5:1.13-18

Gospel: Luke 9:51-62_

To be a follower is to imitate one’s example. Just as it is called, it demands coming behind the one who leads and learning from him. Being a disciple of Christ is like journeying with him through Jerusalem. The Jerusalem experience of Christ was not a pleasant one; since it was there that he was killed. As disciples, our followership involves similar experiences, which may push one to the wall in some circumstances. The gospel reading of today advices us on the attitude we must put up as Christ’s disciples. We have the following lessons:  

Openness of mind:

To be a disciple of Christ is a choice. As one makes a choice to be a follower of Christ, so too does others reject this choice. For those who reject, there is no need to abuse them or fight them. A disciple should be an open minded to interacting even with those who refuse to accept their faith. Jesus showed us this example by accepting to be the friend of sinners.

In the gospel, the Disciples of Christ requested to call down thunder on those who refused to receive Christ and Jesus condemned this attitude. In the same way, it is not our duty as followers to begin to fight those who do not follower our faith. Let us rather use our energy positively in a wonderful relationship and in an exemplary living and this will lead to the conversion of the unbeliever. However, they refuse to listen and to change and accept the faith even after many practical show of love, then redirect your energy to others, for there are very many who are yearning for the gospel. That was why Jesus had to leave for another village when the Samaritan village refused to receive him.

Disposition to face what comes:

 Many times and in different places people choose to become Christ followers so that Christ will supply all their material needs. No wonder it happens that many of those who are massively wealthy do not go to church because they feel there is nothing to ask God for. No wonder the Psalm says ‘in his riches man lacks wisdom’ (Psalm 49:20).

A challenging question that awaits all Christian is: what is your intention for being a Christian? What do I actually want to get for being a follower of Christ? If my intention is to have all my material needs supplied by Christ, then, I am at the wrong place for Christ does not supply all our material needs. While we follow him let us remember that, ‘Foxes have holes, birds have nest but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head’ (Lk 9:58) However, if our discipleship is prompted by our love for His kingdom, then, just like the birds of the air who neither sow or reap but have their food, the Lord will provide what we lack (Mt 6:26).

Self Denial:

 To be a follower of Christ is a great privilege. It is an opportunity that one must guard jealously to avoid losing it. To guard against losing this great opportunity one must let go of everything that will cause a hindrance on the way. Peter understood this when he left his net and followed. Other disciples left some other things and followed him as well. Mathew for instance left his noble profession of collecting tax. Elisha, in the first reading slaughtered oxen for his family, symbolizing that he is leaving everything for God’s work. What have I left to follow him? You, what have you left?

Jesus in the gospel tells us that once called, there is no going back. Once we have made the choice to become Christians, we have chosen to leave behind our past and to look up to God for the future. In this choice, there is no moment of recreation or free time, hence, to the man who asked that he be allowed to go and bury his father first, Jesus told, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead’ (Lk 9:60). Therefore, we are being encouraged not to allow ourselves to be distracted by anything at all. That is why to the one who chose to follow him, he told; anyone who looks back after being called is not fit for the kingdom of God (Lk 9:62). 

*Rev Fr. Chukwuemeka VINCENT Livinus, SMMM.*