BASED ON CATHOLIC LITURGICAL READINGS
22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A
THEME: “THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP”
((Readings: 1st: Jer 20:7-9; Ps: 62; 2nd: Rom 12:1-2; Gos: Mt 16:21-27))
Last Sunday Jesus declared Peter as a rock, a strong foundation upon which he will build his church. This was upon his solemn profession of faith that “You are Christ the son of the living God.” (Mt 16:16) Today being the 22nd Sunday in the ordinary time, Jesus tells the same Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path because the way you think is not God´s way but man´s.” (Mt 16:23) Peter who was a rock has now turned to be an obstacle, a stumbling block. We all profess the same faith like Peter but when it comes to the reality of life, we become an obstacle to the plans of God in our life.
Prophet Jeremiah was called by God to become a prophet in Jerusalem. He was sent by God “to tear up and to knock down, to destroy and to overthrow” (Jer. 1: 10). Jeremiah was regarded as a traitor by his own people who plotted to kill him. So, he became depressed and complained bitterly to God. Jeremiah accuses Yahweh of tricking him and seducing him. Jeremiah is referred to as a suffering servant of God, a prototype of Jesus and his book is full of lamentation to God.
To be called a disciple, a Christian, or a rock like Peter, is a call that demands some sacrifices. Therefore, today we focus on the cost of discipleship as taught by Jesus in the Gospel.
- RENOUNCING YOURSELF/ SELF DENIAL
Jesus told his disciples, “If any man comes to me without hating his family and his own life is not fit to be a disciple” (Mt 10:37). If you want to follow Christ, you must renounce selfishness, and avoid seeking your own interest and comforts. Just as Christ was ready to lay down his life because of his love for us, his followers must live not for themselves but for others. We must put others’ interests first before ours. We must detach ourselves from materialism and family commitments. This allows one to give priority to God and the values of the Kingdom of God in life. Our families, property, ambitions in life, and our work are important but they should not become a hindrance and an obstacle to loving God and neighbor.
- CARRYING YOUR CROSS. The cross is a sign of love and self-giving. To carry one´s cross means to join Christ as he gives the greatest proof of his love. The cross is also a symbol of suffering, pain, torture, and death. Since our Savior suffered the rejection and agony of the cross, if we follow after Him, we must be prepared for the same treatment. Jeremiah today is a perfect example of a suffering servant of God. We should never do anything to provoke persecution, but if we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we must entrust our souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right (1 Pet. 4:19).
This is the most difficult Gospel to preach to modern-day Christians who are after miracles, breakthroughs in life, cheap grace, and salvation without the cross. Many upcoming churches have taken advantage of this weakness, which is why we are all running there. Like Peter, we don’t want to carry the cross. Jesus revokes Peter today for his unwillingness to walk the roads of Calvary. There is a grace hidden in suffering and trials for the sake of righteousness. When we run away from the cross, we also miss the joy of resurrection. May God give you the grace and strength to bear your cross in life with joy.
- FOLLOW ME.
Following Jesus means that as disciples of Christ, we should live according to the word of God, by obeying what is commanded by Jesus. His life should be our life. This means surrendering to the will of God and not human thoughts. In the second reading, Paul advises the Roman Christians that they must live their Christian lives in such a way that they are different from the Jews and the pagans. Romans must explicitly reject the behavior of the world around them. Paul tells them, and us (Rom 12:1-2): “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” to God.
What is the difference between us Christians and other people in the world?? Mahatma Gandhi said: “If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today.” The way we live our life sometimes scandalize people and they wonder, Are they really Christians?
In a nutshell, dear friend, True discipleship is costly because it costs a person their life, family, and possessions but it is gracious because it gives us true life. True discipleship is expensive because there is always a cross to carry but God gives us strength and grace through the Eucharist and the Holy Spirit. True discipleship is costly because it demands a commitment to faithfully follow Christ but the reward will be 100 times whatever you have lost here on earth and in the Kingdom of God. (Mt 19:27-30). Jesus challenges us to calculate the cost of becoming a disciple and compare it with the grace attached to it.
Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to faithfully follow you. Amen
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!! ((Contact our vocation office on +255629269140 or +254792299140))
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the word and the spirit of Grace; and may the heart of Jesus live in the heart of all the people. Amen” SVD Prayer
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 