Luke addressed these words of Jesus to the many converts of his communities who became Christians but believed that the Gospel was too hard and it needs to be more practical. Luke makes it clear that the Gospel demands are not negotiable.
The changing political and social situation in Hong Kong recently influenced many young people to emigrate to foreign destinations, resulting in fewer numbers in our church pews. Having fewer members in the Church worries us because larger gatherings are considered better for the Church’s life. However, Luke presents a different picture of Jesus, who appears disturbed at the sight of “immense crowds” following him! Jesus worries instead of rejoicing. It looks as if Jesus feared that the crowds misunderstood his words. Therefore, he begins to explain what it involves to be his disciples (v. 25).
Jesus places three challenging requests and, failing to comply, one “cannot be my disciple!” (vv. 26,27,33). It almost seems Jesus wants to keep people away rather than attract them.
The first: “If you come to me, unwilling to sacrifice your love for your father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters, and indeed yourself, you cannot be my disciple.” (v. 26). How is it possible to hate one’s family to follow Jesus? He had taught us to love everyone, even the enemies.
When Jesus speaks of hate, he refers to the choices one has to make to remain faithful to the Gospel. To hate is to have the courage to break even the most special relations, which causes an impediment to follow Jesus. Luke was reminding his communities to dissociate and oppose everything contrary to the Gospel, giving up choices of compromise. These detachments are courageous gestures of genuine love.
The second condition: “Whoever does not follow me, carrying his own cross, cannot be my disciple” (v. 27). These words must have been from the Risen Lord, who had gone through passion and crucifixion. While travelling with Jesus towards Jerusalem, the disciples would not have wanted to think about carrying the cross – since this was a punishment for crimes against the Romans.
After the resurrection, however, the meaning of the cross is transformed, with Jesus carrying the cross and being crucified. The disciples are more receptive to the proposal. A sign of punishment and shame becomes a symbol of God’s saving grace and love.
The cross that Jesus carries is God’s love for his humanity. Moreover, Jesus demands his disciples too to carry the labour of love. Carrying the cross does not mean accepting the pains and struggles of every day; instead, it means living one’s life for the love of God and neighbour. This is the cross that a disciple has to expect.
The third condition: “None of you may become my disciple if he does not give up everything he has” (v. 33).
In the parables of the man building a watchtower in his field and the king going to war, where both of them do their calculations on their capability to complete the task, Jesus reflects on the seriousness and commitment required of discipleship. The impulses and the initial enthusiasm are insufficient to be a disciple, but constancy and perseverance.
For your reflection:
Unless you surrender everything to the Lord, you do not surrender anything!
Father Fernando
Armellini SCJ
