Love and Discipleship According to St Paul and Jesus.
In the first reading from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans (13,8-10) we are informed that love is the summary of all the commandments. The reading affirms that whoever loves the other fulfils the law. Indeed, the laws: do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not indulge in self-indulgence and other commandments are summarised in the one sentence: you must love your neighbour as yourself because love does no evil to anyone. Thus, love is the fulfilment of all laws.
In the gospel (Luke 14,25-33), Jesus calls the attention of the people to the criteria for worthiness of discipleship and faithful service to the gospel. Whoever wishes to follow him must completely surrender to the gospel. This means letting go of any attachment to family, possession and even one’s own life: “whoever does not carry the Cross and follow him is not worthy to be his disciple.” So also, anyone who does not give up all possession including oneself is not worthy to be Jesus’ disciple.
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me
What do the words of St Paul and Jesus in today’s readings say to me and to those who subscribe to the demands of the gospel of Christ?
The texts emphasize a form of discipleship that is defined by loyalty in following Jesus, while diligently carrying one’s cross. This phrase “carry your cross and walk behind me” indicates that giving up self-interest and competing loyalties are central to discipleship. In the Gospel, Jesus gave an instance on how one who wishes to be a disciple should prepare oneself. It involves doing a stocktaking of one’s capacity. The readiness to let go of self, detachment from one’s possessions, diligence, long suffering, and total dedication. The call to let go of family, friends and the self is at the center of the radicality of discipleship to Christ. This does not literally mean that one should neglect relationships, family or self-development. Rather we are invited to do away with putting these values before the Gospel. It is, therefore, about establishing priorities. Attachment to self is always a hindrance to the pursuit of nobler goals of spiritual life and selfless love. Take the example of a soldier who must always readily leave the family and loved ones and even surrender the self for the cause of his/her nation. Such diligence to the call of duty is the duty call of the Gospel.
Reflection
How much am I able to let go of encumbering attachments? I ask God to help me to grow in freedom and detachment. And for the grace to be ready to follow and to serve in total dedication. As I consider the freedom to which Jesus calls me, I also reflect on habits that limit my discipleship and readiness to love. I bring them before God for the healing that I need.
Love is the requirement for the fulfilment of the law. Love is the criterion for diligence, service, and faith. It is the center of Jesus’ life and teachings. The love which the gospel preaches is not a mere feeling, but rather an active-suffering love. In the thoughts of Theresa of Lisieux, suffering is part of love. I ponder on how I sometimes resist the difficulties that the Gospel presents. So ask for divine help to do better.
Jesus tells us that discipleship is not without suffering and challenges. I ask God to dispose me to be ready to suffer for the faith. And to practice the values of the Gospel.
