Discipleship, responsible planning and sacrifice

Wisdom 9:13-18, Psalm 89, Philemon 9ff, Luke 14:25-33

Discipleship is a very frequent word in Christianity. It means following Jesus in words, thoughts and deeds. It means reflecting in whatever we do, say and think the examples of Christ. As Christians, we are invited to be disciples of Jesus. That is very clear and we have been hearing this over and over again.

But what does Jesus want to remind us in today’s gospel parable. Discipleship just like any other endeavour needs responsible planning. No one will begin an important project without first examining if he has the means and energy for the task. If not, one may risk making a mockery of himself. No farmer starts building a guard-tower for his vineyard, without first calculating what the job requires. No ruler will go to war against a powerful enemy, without first calculating the chances of final victory. These two images and examples from today’s gospel want to indicate that discipleship, following Jesus needs some prior planning.

In the first reading from the book of Wisdom, we hear a repetition of the words: counsel, wisdom and discernment. No one embarks on a serious project without these qualities. Discipleship or the mission to spread the Good news is so important that nobody should commit to it without discernment. Jesus calls for a mature reflection. We need to sit ourselves down, gather our thoughts, reflect together and decide on the path to follow. We need more listening of the Gospel together, to discover God’s call today, to awaken charisms, and cultivate a renewed style of following Jesus. We cannot begin to take up our cross and follow Jesus except we have truly discern the meaning of discipleship, what it takes and what it demands from us. As disciples we are to be the “leaven” in the midst of the people; the “salt” that give new flavor to people’s lives; the “light” that shines forth in the darkness of sin, despair and faithlessness.

Discipleship involves self-denial and sacrifices. Discipleship means saying no to the world and Yes to the Gospel values and demands. Discipleship means detachment from things offensive to God and the Gospel. Discipleship means commitment to peace, unity and love. Discipleship means commitment to the poor, suffering, the rejected and the excluded.  Jesus invites us to imbibe his spirit of commitment and sacrifice in order to be his true disciples. He says, “If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife…and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple.” What does Christ mean by “hating”? He teaches and calls us to make a sacrifice and commit to our missions and calls.

Christ wants us to imbibe Paul’s spirit of sacrifice and commitment. In the second reading, Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon in the spirit of sacrifice. Although Paul needed Onesimus and had every right to retain him, he returned to his former master Philemon who equally needed him. Philemon also had to sacrifice something. He has to drop all his misgiving against Onesimus. So, Paul encouraged him to receive Onesimus as a brother rather than as a slave.

Paul teaches us that we can equally sacrifice our comfort in order to restore that of others. We must be ready to make some sacrifices to repair and restore relationships. There is nothing we cannot sacrifice for the sake of God and humanity. Discipleship means being ready to make sacrifices. Carrying our cross and following Christ means subduing our own will in order to do his. It means to be prepared to give up anything.