The cost of discipleship

Jesus illustrates the importance of seriously considering what it means to follow him

WORD OF FAITH: A breakdown of each week's upcoming Sunday readings to better understand the Word of God at Mass.

“In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” — Luke 14:33

There are a few Gospel passages that shake me to my core. This Sunday’s Gospel is one of them. Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem and great crowds are following him. Notice that Luke uses the word “crowds” not disciples. The people in the crowd could be those who are curious about Jesus, those who think he’s going to Jerusalem to claim a kingdom, those who are hoping to be cured, and those who have been touched by Jesus’ teaching. Jesus’ words to the crowd certainly separated the disciples from the casual followers. His words do sound harsh, asking his followers to hate their father and mother, their wife and children, their brothers and sisters and even their own life! This is not a walk in the park invitation! Many Scripture scholars point out that in Jesus’ culture, hyperbole was a common form of speech and Jesus’ use of the word “hate” was definitely an exaggeration. Consider also that in Middle Eastern culture, family was of prime importance. To break with family was to tear your very self apart. Yet Jesus seems to insist that loyalty to him must be primary; discipleship takes precedence even over family ties.

And if that isn’t scary enough, then Jesus insists that a follower must “carry his own cross.” This would have visceral meaning to people who often witnessed crucifixions!

Jesus underscores the cost of discipleship with two short stories, the builder of the tower and the king marching into battle both needed to plan and calculate the costs. Jesus illustrates the importance of seriously considering what it means to follow him — being a disciple is not whimsy, it is serious business!

The last line of Jesus’ words is so devastating: “… anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” I’m sure that many people in the crowd began to quietly leave, or maybe some mumbled about this being entirely too much! After all, following Jesus did not seem very attractive. 

Here is where my core-shaking begins: I consider that verse from the First Reading, “For the deliberations of mortals are timid and unsure are our plans,” in the face of Jesus’ expectations, I do feel timid. I ask myself many questions. Do I put Jesus first in my life? Who or what do I put before him? Do I embrace the trials of my life with love and carry the “cross” of everyday life with patience? Do I stay the course when a task or responsibility becomes heavy? In a society that is focused on every convenience, every gadget and every novelty, can I be satisfied with only what I need instead of bowing to every want? Do I follow Jesus even when there are complaints and criticisms from others? Or do I try to water down the Gospel message and turn from his demands? Has my discipleship turned to mediocrity?

I know that these are tough questions. I know that Jesus is always there to lovingly help me be true to the path of discipleship. I know that my community, the sacraments, the Scriptures and prayer nourish and support me. I know in my heart of hearts that I am not alone. But I also know that some soul-searching about the quality of my discipleship is vital. This soul-searching, this examination of conscience must be honest and happen often. Otherwise, I am one of the crowd, but not a disciple!