Discipleship Costs – Missionary Commentary for Sunday, August 24

Discipleship Costs

Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel passage from Luke can be very disturbing; they confront us and question the quality of our discipleship, our genuine following of Jesus. We must strive to enter through the “narrow gate.” This means that being Jesus’ disciple will demand asking many deep, disturbing questions: Why do I do certain things? Who and what guide my choices? Family? Friends? Desire of possessions? Status in the community? Personal pleasure? Service of others? Love of God?

Someone has noted that the purpose of preaching the Gospel is to “comfort the afflicted” (the poor and suffering) and also to “afflict the comfortable” (those who have enough of life’s necessities and yet do not show compassion to the needy). A close reading of today’s Gospel may indeed disturb or “afflict” us. We hear Jesus’ blunt and direct words: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”

Helpful Guidance. Saint Pope Paul VI in his powerful reflection on evangelization in the modern world Evangelii Nuntiandi (EN) [issued fifty years ago on December 8, 1975] makes an insightful point: the Gospels are meant to challenge our values, choices, and relationships. Listen to the pope—and be disturbed!

The Church’s task in preaching the Gospel means, according to Paul VI, “affecting and, as it were, upsetting, through the power of the Gospel, humanity’s criteria of judgment, determining values, points of interest, lines of thought, sources of inspiration and models of life, which are in contrast with the Word of God and the plan of salvation” (EN 19).

Authentic Discipleship. The demands of discipleship pose real questions: Do I place God first in my life? Do I willingly carry my daily crosses? Am I over-attached to material possessions? Being an admirer of Jesus is easy; being a genuine disciple requires commitment, dedication, and firm resolve.

One valid, contemporary description of discipleship is to understand it as a “counter-cultural witness.” This means following one’s Christian convictions—even against the tide of prevailing cultural patterns and values which are contrary to the Gospel. Some brief illustrations help to concretize this “counter-cultural” point.

Concrete Examples. A young man who is a new doctor or lawyer leaves his profession and enters the seminary to study for priesthood. A pregnant, unmarried woman refuses the path of abortion, knowing it will radically change her life. A brave man speaks out against corruption in government or business, even if it may cost him his job or bring threats to his life. Family members lovingly care for a child with Downs Syndrome or a disability at great sacrifice to themselves. A family commits to a shared meal with some time for common prayer several times a week. Both Church and society need the witness of people who are “counter-cultural.”

Conclusion. I ask you: Have my many questions today disturbed you? If you reply “Yes,” I will answer: “Good.” Maybe we both are now closer to understanding the true cost of discipleship, entering through the “narrow gate.” Indeed, discipleship costs; often the costs are high.

Notes on the Readings

First Reading, Isaiah 66:18-21
Today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah comes from the last chapter of the book. Here Isaiah pictures all the nations of the world worshipping the Lord in Jerusalem. Places from modern-day Spain, Greece, and North Africa are mentioned. The reading portrays the universality of the faith across the face of the earth.

Responsorial, Psalm 117:1-2
This psalm stresses the entire world hearing the Good News. Because we as Jesus’ “missionary disciples” have personally experienced the Lord’s steadfast kindness, we are ready to “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.”

Second Reading, Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
This reading is from near the end of the letter to the Hebrews. It includes very practical advice, given to anyone who is under trial for one’s faith. We are to bear afflictions in imitation of Christ, and also because trials are a healthy discipline from God. They ultimately bring “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Courage! God does not disappoint!

Gospel, Luke 13:22-30
Our Gospel today by Saint Luke reminds us that the long journey of Jesus to his destiny in Jerusalem was still going on. It also asserts that people from all nations will be saved; they will come “from the east and the west, from the north and the south.” Yes, the way to salvation is challenging; it takes a lifetime of hard work. The gate may be “narrow,” but it is the true pathway to everlasting happiness.

Notes and Commentary by Maryknoller James H. Kroeger, who has recently published Walking with Pope Francis: The Official Documents in Everyday Language (Orbis Books) as well as Exploring Vatican II Treasures: Actors, Events, Insights and A Joyful Journey with Pope Francis (Faith Alive Books).