Mt. 10:37-42
“Jesus loves you more in a moment than anyone else could do in a lifetime…” In today’s gospel, we come across Jesus’ thoughts on discipleship. When we reflect on this passage in depth, we realise that he does not need name-brand followers; rather, being his follower demands wholehearted commitment to him. Jesus clearly says that the first priority of his followers should be Christ himself and no one else. One cannot love parents, siblings, or any other relationship more than Jesus. It doesn’t mean that we need to abandon our family bonds; rather, Jesus should be our first love. It can also happen that we love our wealth or other material things more than anyone else. Nothing should stand as a hindrance in our relationship with Christ. First place for Christ, and everything else is secondary. The second exhortation is that the disciple should be willing to carry his/her daily cross. Following Christ is not escapism from one’s responsibilities but rather accepting one’s cross wholeheartedly and being his witness wherever we are.
Jesus teaches us that whoever accepts his disciple will be accepting Jesus himself. If anyone accepts a prophet, they will receive a grace meant for a prophet. In the first reading, we come across the story of the prophet Elisha. The rich woman of Shunem extended warm hospitality to Elisha, the man of God. She goes out of her way to provide a place for him to rest. Though she was rich, she did not have a child, and her husband was old. Elisha blessed her with a son. When we analyse, it is impossible for her to have a child at that phase of her life. However, when she accepts a prophet sent by God, she receives a great reward.
Again, Jesus emphasises it by saying that if you give a cup of cold water in his name, you will receive a reward. These words of Jesus show the greatness of being a disciple of Christ. The world may consider being a disciple of Christ foolish. Jesus himself makes it clear that being his disciple is not an easy matter and that there is no exception to carrying his/her crosses, yet it is a call to grow into a life of blessing to many. Let us wholeheartedly serve Jesus, love him above all, and continue our discipleship journey.