Theme: DISCIPLESHIP: A DEMANDING LIFE OF TRANSFORMATION
Readings: Wisdom 9:13–18b / Psalm 90 /Philemon 9b–10, 12-17 / Luke 14:25–33
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
1. Introduction
All creatures by nature have their limitations. For instance, the fish cannot fly like a bird, while the latter cannot thrive in the deep ocean. So, though humans are the apex of God’s creation, we also have our limitations.
Today’s first reading reminds us of our limited understanding, while the responsorial Psalm highlights our limited lifespan and the second reading gives us an instance of our limited perspective on human relations. Now, as a surgical operation to correct a dysfunctional organ is painful, so discipleship which addresses our limitations is a demanding life of transformation in Christ: “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).
2. Human Understanding is Limited
Firstly, according to the Book of Wisdom, “the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail; for a perishable body weighs down the soul, and this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful mind” (Wis. 9:14-15). The soul which the Living God breathed into us at creation animates our life and ability to reason. This soul, however, is not in direct contact with the realities around us. So, the vision of our soul is blurred or limited by nature.
Secondly, if we do not fully understand earthly realities which we can see, touch, smell and taste, then the heavenly ones are certainly beyond our comprehension without the aid of God: “We can hardly guess at what is on earth, and what is at hand we find with labor; but who has traced out what is in the heavens?” (Wis. 9:16).
Thirdly, if we sometimes fail to understand fellow humans, how can we understand God, who is purely Spirit? (cf. Wis. 9:13).
In view of the above-mentioned limitations, the Book of Wisdom reminds us that without divine guidance, even our best efforts are incomplete. This is very evident in the fact that despite living in the age of information, wisdom is still scarce. Therefore, it is only through the gift of the Spirit that we can begin to understand what God desires of us (cf. Wis. 9:17-18).
3. Distortions in Human Relations and its Transformation in Christ
Humans are not only limited in their understanding, but the evil of sin has also impacted on how we perceive and relate to one another. Already in the time of Adam and Eve, sin distorted how their sons, Cain and Abel, related with each other. The former killed the latter (cf. Gen. 4:1-12). With time, this distortion in human relations would manifest itself in many forms including the master-slave relationship.
Christ Jesus, though He became human, is first and foremost divine (cf. John 1:1-14). He, therefore, overcomes human limitations and the distortions of sin (cf. Heb. 4:15). Hence, He is able to transform our limitations and distortions. This we can enjoy if only we become his true disciples. That is, to learn from Him and become like Him in thoughts, desires, attitudes and deeds.
In Christ, the master-slave relationship is transformed into brotherhood (cf. Gal. 3:28). So, in today’s second reading, St. Paul tries to help Philemon to see Onesimus through the eyes of Christ (cf. Philm. 14). Onesimus, once a slave and runaway, is now “a beloved brother” (Philm. 16).
It is not enough to believe the Gospel; we must allow it to reshape how we treat others, especially those whom society sees as inferior, broken, or less worthy. True discipleship changes how we see people — not as property, obstacles, or labels, but as beloved members of God’s household.
4. The Cost of Discipleship
Discipleship requires a change in our way of thinking, resetting our priorities and acting differently – in a manner which accords with God’s will. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus mentions some of the characteristics of a true disciple. First, he/she must abandon his/her way of life (mindset, attitudes, pleasures, aspirations, etc.); and fully embrace Jesus and His way of life. Thus, Jesus says: “Whoever comes to me and does not hate … [his/her own] life, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27).
Second, he/she must move out of the comfort zone of familial relations to prioritize Christ. Hence, He says: “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, … cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Jesus is not calling for hate in the emotional sense, but for absolute allegiance. In other words, loyalty to the Lord must supersede all other loyalties.
Third, true discipleship entails sacrifice. Jesus underscores this not only in the carrying of one’s cross (cf. Luke 14:27), but also in renouncing all of one’s possessions to follow Him (cf. Luke 14:33).
So, the call to discipleship is a serious business. It is more than a lifelong decision; for its implication goes beyond the grave! Hence, Jesus likens it with the serious estimation required before the building of an expensive tower or before engaging in a deadly warfare (cf. Luke 14:28-32).
In other words, being a disciple of Christ is not a weekend hobby; it is a whole-life transformation, one that may cost relationships, possessions, even our very lives. The invitation to follow Christ is free, but it is not cheap. It will cost us — but what we gain is infinitely greater.
5. Conclusion
In the light of our natural limitations and the distortions in human relations which we have inherited, discipleship cannot be the casual Christianity which is so common today. So, are we ready to go beyond comfort and convenience? Are we ready to follow Christ when it costs something, or even everything?
May the Lord grant us the grace to walk this path of surrendering to Christ, of resetting priorities, and of love that reorders relationships – and so radically transforming us. Amen!
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
