By Ishongkun Kurbah –
Readings: Phil 2:12-18; Lk 14:25-33
What did Jesus really mean when he said ‘you must hate your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and life itself’ in order to be his disciples? I believe that what he meant to say was “no turning back, no going back.” It is not worth following Jesus half way and go back, for he wants us to follow and be with him forever. It is true that if we start to do something and leave it half done people will taunt and ridicule us.
Therefore, we must remember that following Jesus is not for a moment or for a short period of time. It is for life. It is truly demanding and challenging to be true disciples of Jesus. Following Jesus demands a total hard work and dedication, complete readiness and preparation. Jesus knows that none of us can see the future, thus, he warns us of hardships and obstacles when we decide on our own account to follow him.
Whether it is religious or married life, the path that we have chosen is to faithfully walk by moving forward without turning back. Remember that Jesus himself walked on this earth that we are walking now facing all its challenges and pains. Therefore, he is there to give us hope, strength and joy for he experienced and understood the suffering, pain and weakness of humankind. Go to Jesus when we have lost strength and feel despair, he knows what we need in this journey.