Be My Disciple

09-04-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear People of God,

Good morning to you all. On this twenty third Sunday of ordinary time, we are called to meditate about the spirit of commitment and self sacrifice of Christ. It was this spirit that made Jesus give up everything, including his own life for our sake. In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches about the demands of discipleship. He says: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:25). What does Christ mean by “hating”?

Christ is not literally calling us to hate the members of our family in order to be his disciples. He loved and obeyed his own parents. Also, His mother Mary was one of His first and best disciples. So, we too must love members of our family. He is not in any way preaching the gospel of hatred. Rather, he wants us to be more committed to his ministry. He wants us to be willing to sacrifice our own comfort whenever duty calls.

To be Christ’s disciple, means being ready to make sacrifices. Carrying our cross and following Christ also means subduing our own will in order to do His Will. That is, being ready to give up anything. Without commitment and sacrifice, we remain attached to our will, and so, cannot be true disciples of Christ. Without it, we cannot see the needs of others.

Finally, commitment and sacrifice help us to give up anything in order to gain all. It disposes us to be better disciples of Christ. It helps to be better husbands, wives, parents, and children. It helps us to be better leaders and even servants. It also helps us deepen our trust in God’s divine providence and protection. Have a Blessed Sunday!