Today's readings bring us to consider the personal cost we encounter if we seriously desire to be an active follower of Jesus Christ. Such a position or relationship is much more demanding than planning to wait until we feel that we are nearing the end of our lives ... although that cannot be considered as profitless.
Jesus describes what it costs to be a part of humanity just as he was: "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." As if this were not too much for us, Jesus also calls our attention to even more dramatic and drastic actions. Being a follower of Jesus might demand of us that we turn away from loved ones and close friends who would directly or indirectly damage our faith.
As noted in many of these postings over the years: being a follower of Jesus Christ is much more than a fleeting concern. So what does my relationship with Jesus demand if I am to live as a true follower at the age of 25, 40, 50, 70 or even a perpetual "39"? Perhaps some of the following might be questions that will, when confronted, tell your heart and soul whether we are faithful follower of "the Man," as a young man recently told me was his favorite way of talking about Jesus! (1) do I give any attention to daily prayer and reflection? (2) do I face up to the weaknesses that diminish my attention to "the Man" who gave his life for me? (3) do I have a clear plan for my life that will help me be what Jesus has hinted all along for me to become? These are just three questions that can lead to others.
Paul's letter to Philemon is a classic example of the demands of Christianity in the immediate post-Jesus era as well as in our own times. Onesimus was a slave who escaped from the service to Philemon who was, as it would seem from Paul's writings, a collaborator with Paul. He "hosted" many people in his home for Eucharistic Liturgies. Now a slave who flees from his master's service, if caught, would be put to death. Thus what Paul was asking of Philemon was not an easy request. Nothing could be more counter-cultural. Accepting back a run-away slave would be one thing. However, to accept a run-away back as a brother was over the top. But this is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is about. If one is sincere in striving to be a genuine follower of Jesus, life will different and challenging for a true disciople.
Paul's actions can be likened to what Jesus would become for all humanity: a reconciler His crucifixion was his sacrifice to bring about reconciliation with the Father for all sinners. Jesus was a reconciler for us; Paul was a reconciler between Philemon and Onesimus. It is the same love that sends each disciple out to make a reality of Jesus' generosity and love.
So, again: being a faithful follower of Jesus Christ is not just putting away a nickel or dime each day for our salvation. Discipleship expects the gift of ourselves for the kingdom. Sometimes Christianity demands of us to stand almost totally alone, outside the protective fences of our feathered nests!
