Wednesday, 7 November 2018

Disciple or part of the crowds: Wednesday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time (II) (07th November, 2018).


Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time (II) (07th November, 2018) on the Gospel
 
Phil 2:12-18;
Ps 26:1.4.13-14. (R.v.1);
Lk 14:25-33.
Topic: Disciple or part of the crowds.
We learnt from yesterday’s gospel (Lk 14:15-24) that the invitation to the eternal banquet has been given. However, the difference lies in the individual’s acceptance or rejection of it.
Today, we see large crowds travelling with Jesus. The bible did not tell us why but one can presume they wanted to be His disciples. Hence, Jesus turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14: 26-27). To drive the point home, He told them that one who wants to build a tower and a king who wants to engage another king in a battle ought to first check if he will be able to finish the building and oppose the other king respectively.
Following Jesus around is quite different from being His disciple (a Christian). Hence Jesus did not ask them to stop following Him around but He made it clear to them that “...none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions” (Lk 14:33).
Dear friends, we must ask ourselves if we are really Christ’s disciple or just moving about with Him. Going to church and even receiving Holy Communion regularly, holding exalted positions in the house of God, and many more cannot qualify us to be His follower. No wonder, on the last day many would say: “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets” (Lk 13:26). But He will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” (Lk 13:27)
Bible Reading: Lk 13:22-30.
Thought for today: ...enter through the narrow door (Lk 13:24).
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help us to detach ourselves completely to enable us be truly your disciples – Amen.
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