In today’s culture of distorted reality and disposable lifestyles, can we sustain the challenges of a long term commitment? And why should we? Today’s Gospel can throw some light.

Gospel – Luke 14:25-33
Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he 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. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. - The Gospel of the Lord

Reflection
Moving back a few chapters, we find the passage where Jesus asked some people to follow him but they declined offering excuses. And just before today’s passage, Jesus shares the parable of the great dinner where invites were sent out but again, umpteen excuses were made and the invitation was rejected. Hence in today’s Gospel, Jesus notices large crowds accompanying him and turning to them decides to clarify the cost involved in becoming his disciples. (See Luke 9:59-62, Luke 14:15-24)

Let’s consider the example of endurance tests that candidates need to clear for recruitment in high pressure demanding jobs, like the armed forces. These positions involve long hours of grueling training so it would be a waste to hire the wrong people. Resumes often make tall claims hence the tests are designed to check and confirm if the candidates crumble under pressure or actually prove their capability. This filtering process ensures that only the long-term ones with sincerity and resilience get through.

Jesus' mission involves the ultimate kind of endurance test and He raises the bar high for the probable candidates who were following him. He makes the profile crystal clear and does not mince his words on the expectations. He also gives them the opportunity to thoroughly weigh all the options, the pros and cons before taking the plunge, as it would be a long term commitment and once on board there would be no turning back.
 
In fact, we do find a turning back that happens in the Gospel of John where it says – “Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him.” His teachings were too difficult for people to understand and accept hence they chose to leave. At that point, it was only His twelve apostles who stayed back because they had recognized Him to be the Holy One of God and the only source to eternal life. (See John 6:60-69)

In today's instant world of shortcuts and compromises, many lack the patience, persistence and perseverance required for anything long-term. We get bored easily and constantly look for ‘something new’. Furthermore, we prefer diluted distorted versions of truth and not the entire real truth as the former is easier to digest. Today Jesus dispels all myths by clearly spelling out that following him is not a ‘rosy picture’. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) In other words, if we are looking for a rose, we must be prepared for the thorns that come along with it.

And what do we finally gain by following him? “Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” And “the one who endures till the end will be saved.” (James 1:12, Matthew 24:13)

Let us pray:
Dear Lord, we thank you for always saying it as it is and never diluting your words. Help us to seek you before anyone or anything else since you alone are the source to eternal life. Enable us to be your witnesses in this world and follow you no matter what. We ask all of this in the mighty holy and precious name of Jesus - Amen.

God bless you!

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Video Audio: Mr. Clive Vincent