In not just any way<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem.\u00a0 The Evangelist tells us that \u201cgreat crowds were traveling\u201d with him.\u00a0 Jesus, however, has no illusions.\u00a0 He does not let himself be fooled by the populace\u2019s facile enthusiasm. \u00a0What worries many people today is how the number of Christians keeps decreasing.\u00a0 What interested Jesus more was the quality of his followers rather than their number.<\/b><\/p>\n
He suddenly turns to that multitude and begins to speak to them of the concrete demands that going with him consciously and responsibly entails.\u00a0 He does not want them to follow him in just any way.<\/b>\u00a0 To be Jesus\u2019 disciple is a decision that should completely mark a person for life.<\/p>\n
Jesus speaks to them first of the family.\u00a0 Those people have their own families\u2014fathers and mothers, wives and children, brothers and sisters.\u00a0 They are their dearest and most intimate loved ones.\u00a0 But unless they set aside family interests so as to collaborate with him in fostering a human family that is not based on blood ties but is built out of justice and brotherly and sisterly solidarity,<\/b> they cannot be his disciples.<\/p>\n
Jesus is not thinking of doing away with homes and eliminating family affection and togetherness.\u00a0 But if someone puts before everything his family\u2019s honor, patrimony, heritage or comfort, such a person cannot be his disciple nor can he work with him in the project of a world fit for human beings.<\/b><\/p>\n
Still more.\u00a0 If someone only thinks of himself and his possessions and affairs, if someone lives only to enjoy his comfort, if he is only concerned about his own interests, making sure he is not deceived, he cannot be Jesus\u2019 disciple.\u00a0 He lacks inner freedom,<\/b> consistency and responsibility to take him seriously.<\/p>\n
Jesus continues to speak of the stark reality:<\/b>\u00a0 \u201cWhoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.\u201d\u00a0 If one lives avoiding problems and conflicts, if he does not know how to take risks and hardships, if he is not ready to endure sufferings for the kingdom of God and his justice, he cannot be a disciple of Jesus.<\/p>\n
One cannot be a Christian in just any manner.\u00a0 We cannot mistake Christian life for lifestyles that disfigure the humble yet responsible following of Jesus and empty it of its content.<\/b><\/p>\n
Surprising is Pope Francis\u2019 taking the liberty to denounce the styles of Christians that have little to do with Jesus\u2019 disciples:<\/b>\u00a0 \u201cChristians\u00a0of good manners and bad habits,\u201d \u201cmuseum believers,\u201d \u201chypocrites of casuistry,\u201d \u201cChristians incapable of going against the current,\u201d \u201ccorrupt\u201d Christians who only think of themselves, \u201ceducated Christians\u201d who do not preach the Gospel ….<\/p>\n
Jos\u00e9 Antonio Pagola<\/b><\/p>\n
September 8, 2013
\n23 Ordinary Time (C)
\nLuke 14, 25-33<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"