Mt.8: 1-4
Take up your cross and follow me… Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman opens our eyes with her amazing witness of what does it mean to be a follower of Christ? In June 2009, it was not a good day for her. Unusually, she had to enter into conflict with co-workers during the berry harvesting and soon she was accused of blasphemy against Islam. As a result, she was arrested and imprisoned. The Shekhupura district court sentenced her to the death penalty and afterward the verdict was upheld by the Lahore High Court. Whatever were the circumstances she treasured her faith even ready to sacrifice her life to preserve her faith. Anyhow, there was a great hue and cry for the release of Asia Bibi, who was accused of unjustly. Unfortunately, her family had to go in hiding due to threats from various corners. Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, then the minority minister in the Pakistan Government and Mr. Salmaan Taseer, then Punjab governor were assassinated for supporting the cause of Asia Bibi. The Islamist fundamentalist declared 500,000 Pakistani rupees as a reward for those who kill her. Finally, she could overcome all the hardships and she had to leave the country and took shelter in Canada to continue her journey as the disciple of Christ…
Following Christ is not merely following a charismatic leader because none of the charismatic leaders asked his/her followers to carry their cross and follow him/her. They all promised that if they follow him/her they would be pleased and take away their cross. However, Christ did not suggest an escape from one’s cross rather he set an example of how to carry one’s daily cross with hope and perseverance. Today’s gospel passage presents to us the two aspects of Christian discipleship: The demand and the reward dimension.
Let us reflect on the demand dimension of being a disciple of Jesus. The Israelites kept ‘Shema Israel’ close to their hearts. It was not merely a prayer for them rather it was their way of life, putting Yahweh first, and rests everything as secondary. The Jewish community kept this prayer close to their heart. It was their expression of fidelity to Yahweh. Jesus, the visible face of Yahweh renews this ‘Shema Israel,’ by stressing on the primacy of God in our life. The Lord should be the center of one’s life. If anyone wants to follow Jesus, one has to deny himself/herself and carry his/her cross – ‘come and follow me’ – indicates this fact. Our priority should be Jesus; all the other matters secondary because He has gifted us the gift of life and all the other relationships. The self-denial will help us to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the source of life.
Jesus also adds a second dimension to the ‘Shema.’ When we accept someone in Jesus’ name, who is a representative of Christ, a man of God, we accept Jesus himself. These least people, who dedicated their life for the kingdom of God, may not have to give anything in return but who sees everything will bless you abundantly. Today’s first reading testifies this fact. The rich woman, who provides hospitality for the prophet Elisha, goes out of her way with the consent of her husband, provides shelter for the prophet, and also the meals during his visit to Shunem. Elisha did not pay for their hospitality. Nevertheless, when he comes to know that this lady does not have a child, Elisha intercedes on behalf of her and promises a child to her. Jesus says: “whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward” (Mt. 10:42) Let us be generous with our fellow brethren who represents Christ Himself.
As we continue our journey as disciples of Christ, let us reaffirm the primacy of Christ in our life. Let us love him with all our hearts with all our souls with all our strength. He is there with us to help us to carry our daily cross with his unfailing fidelity. Similarly, every act of charity in Jesus’ name is counted. In the time of need, Christ would bless us from his bounty beyond our calculation and measure…