THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JUNE 2022

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JUNE 2022

(Matthew 8:18-22)

Good morning dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, there seems to be a parallel understanding between the Gospel of Matthew 8:18-22 and Luke 9:51-62. The slight difference is that in Mathew the person who approached Jesus in the first instance was tagged a 'scribe' where as in Luke it was just a man whom they met a long the way. 

Be that as it may,  the first circumstance gives us the picture of a scribe who seemingly was attracted by the personality and teachings of Jesus Christ. Obviously, his profession could have been an asset to Jesus' missionary work e.g personal secretary. But Jesus didn't capitalize on this credit of the scribe and rejected him. This could probably be a case of one who was hasty in decision-making; probably born out of the peripheral without having recourse to a deep-seated conviction and commitment. The scribe tells Jesus: “I will follow you wherever you go”. Jesus reminded him that foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests but the son of man has nowhere to lay his head (Mt 8:18-20). Friends in Christ, in other, to have a comprehensive understanding of the followership of Jesus, we need to make the cost of discipleship born out of a profound contemplation. We need to come to terms with the unwavering requirements expected of an authentic disciple e.g self-emptying, self-denial, total dedication, detachment, renunciation, etc. The followership of Jesus isn't a bed of roses; the decision must not be concluded on the grounds of emotions and impulses alone rather a profound reflective conviction. 

The second person's interaction with Jesus brings out the salient mandate of prioritizing the kingdom of God first and above everything else. It is dangerous to delay following the call of God. The followership of God is a full-time job and must be treated as such. Jesus called on to him: come follow me and he responded: Lord, let me first go and bury my father, but Jesus said: follow me, let the dead bury their dead (Mt 8:21-22). People of God, any work can wait but not the promotion and proclamation of the kingdom of God and its values. Whatever situation we find ourselves in, the things of God must take precedence. It is non-negotiable. It cannot be compromised. The word of God tells us in the Gospel of Matthew: “ seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and every other thing will be added unto you” (Mt 6:33).

As baptized Christians, we pray this day that God will grant us the grace to continually remain faithful and committed in our followership of Jesus. May we find fulfilment in accomplishing our works as disciples of Christ. 

Have a Grace-filled day!

Fr Remi osj