Word to the Wise
Sunday, September 4, 2022 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - C
[Wis 9:13-18b; Phlm 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14:25-33]"If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." [Luke]
Some of us will remember the title of a song by Willie Nelson, "On the Road Again!" This title is a good reminder of the overall context of the Gospel According to Luke. Along with "volume two" - the Acts of the Apostles - Luke's story of Jesus is organized as a long journey from Nazareth in Galilee to Jerusalem and then to the Mediterranean world of the Roman empire. The context for today's gospel scripture is "on the road with Jesus!" He is headed for Jerusalem and great crowds are following him. But the context of Luke's audience for the story is one of a missionary church under persecution from both religious and secular authorities. If someone wants to "follow" Jesus, anything that could be an obstacle to that must be put aside. That is the meaning of the word, "hate," in this passage. The Gospel According to Matthew 10:37 puts it in a different way: If anyone LOVES father and mother MORE than me is not worthy of me..."
A second point is that the "cross" in this passage is a daily one and not simply the one event of crucifixion that Jesus would endure. Discipleship is a long-term effort which means Jesus comes first and everything else will take its meaning and action from that relationship, even if it means detachment from close relationships or treasured possessions. The images of construction or military campaign are meant to remind the would-be disciple that careful consideration and preparation are demanded if one wishes to be "on the road with Jesus."
Discipleship is more than going to Mass and receiving sacraments. It is a daily journey with loving our neighbors and caring for the creation entrusted to us by God. Economic gain and political power have no place on the road with Jesus. Violence, consumerism and secular priorities must be put aside. The Lutheran pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, martyred by the Nazis, wrote a classic book entitled THE COST OF DISCIPLEHSHIP, in which he warns against "cheap grace." How much are we prepared to shed to follow Jesus on the road? AMEN