The gospel of today speaks to us about a problem which is our attitude towards those who devote their lives to the proclamation of Salvation. The sacrament of baptism which we receive demands generosity towards those who have pledged their lives to the gospel.
To be a disciple of Jesus, one should possess the attitude, character and purpose of Jesus. Jesus lived a life of total availability and became a compassionate and healing shoulder for the other to lean on; he lived and shared the love of the Father, becoming the food and drink of the other and sacrificing his life on the cross to redeem us.
Jesus categorically stated that whoever wants to be his disciples should take up the cross and follow him. Any attachment to parents, siblings, property or anything else will disqualify us from becoming disciples of Jesus. The only attachment we should have in following Jesus is to Jesus himself.
Today we speak of the need to have credible and faithful witnesses in the church, but hardly find any. The real reason is that we have become regrets in the presence of God (Cfr 1 Sam 15:11) as we live a life according to the standards of the world.
When Jesus made us his disciples he anointed us with his power to baptize, cast out demons, heal the sick, and bring the gospel to the nations. However, like the Pharisees and others during the time of Jesus, we too clamour for a cross-less life and choose the values of the world, forgetting the fact that we are called to represent Jesus here on earth. Let us ask ourselves: what is our greatest love? Is it Jesus?
