Following Jesus

  Early in the 20th century, two groups of explorers, one British, one Norwegian, set out in a race to the South Pole. The Norwegians got there first.  Thoroughly demoralized and with few supplies left, the British faced appalling conditions on the return journey.  One man developed frostbite and realized that he was slowing the rest down and seriously endangering their lives.  He left the tent one night, saying simply, “I may be gone some time.”  He never returned.  He sacrificed himself to give the others a chance to live.   
       It is precisely this kind of loyalty and self-sacrifice that Jesus calls for in this week’s Gospel.  Using very dramatic language, he shows that he demands real commitment and dedication.  Nothing and no one must come between the disciple and following the Lord!  Family, possessions, even love of life itself must all take second place.   
       Why does Jesus demand such commitment?  Luke tells us that great crowds were accompanying Jesus. He knows that he is on the way to Jerusalem to be crucified.  But these people are following him for other reasons.  They have seen him feed thousands miraculously, they have witnessed his healings, they have heard him promise the kingdom to the poor and the oppressed. So they go with Jesus to Jerusalem to be part of the action, to get their share of the glory.  And so Jesus tells them what will really happen.  He wants people to become his followers, not simply to be hangers-on and opportunists.   
       Following Jesus will be no easy ride and must come before everything else, relationships, possessions, even life!  So he tells them to consider well - can they pay the price, can they make the sacrifice, are they equal to the challenge, can they face the cross?  Jesus poses these same questions to us, his disciples, today.  This week, spend some time asking God to help you reflect more deeply on the true meaning of discipleship!  Think about it!!