Whoever Does Not Carry His Cross and Come After Me Cannot Be My Disciple

09-07-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Manasseh lorchir, VC

Last weekend, the Readings at the Liturgy expounded upon the wisdom of humility which enabled us to acquire a realistic estimation of self, sets a solid foundation for a cordial relationship with others and ultimately leading us to a righteous relationship with God; this weekend, the Readings continue to throw light on the efficacy of wisdom in our lives.

The First Reading taken from the Book of Wisdom reinforced the need for intellectual humility which allows us to be perpetually conscious of the fact that our understanding of the world is limited. We are able to see the realistic boundaries of what we can know which is especially clear when our knowledge is compared to the limitless knowledge of God.

If we can barely understand the events that occur in our daily lives, enabling us to predict very little of what we encounter, how much less can we comprehend the wisdom of God? Another gift that intellectual humility allows us is to cure us of the unrealistic assumption that we know much more than others or understand situations better. There may be information about others to which we are not privy and so judging them from an illinformed perspective may put a strain on mutual respect which is highly needed in our relationship with others. As children of God, the realisation of our limitedness should not deter us in our pursuit of wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from God which we should seek with prudence. If we rely on God's Spirit to give us wisdom and we open ourselves to receive it, we would better understand the realities of life and live in better relationships with others. This will ultimately lead us to a righteous relationship with our loving Father whose wisdom caused us to exist.

Paul applies some prudent and practical wisdom in smoothening the way for the return of the slave Onesimus to his master Philemon whom Paul calls a brother because of the common faith they shared. For whatever reason, Onesimus had deserted his master but at some point found himself in the company of Paul who obviously baptised and mentored him into the Christian faith. Having become a son in the faith to him and by extension a brother to Philemon, Paul would have loved to keep Onesimus in his service and mentorship but chose to return him to Philemon no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ Jesus. For Paul, the waters of baptism are thicker than the blood of birth and so Onesimus who used to be a slave to Philemon and so allowed very little decent treatment has now become a brother to Philemon and thus should be treated with love rather than according to the dictates of law.

In the Gospel passage, Jesus lays down the conditions of true discipleship, conditions that a wise person must evaluate before committing to discipleship. According to Jesus, anyone who places love for family and relationship with others above their relationship with Him is not worthy of the kingdom of God. The same situation applies to anyone who would not pick up his cross to follow Him. It is important to clarify that Jesus is neither advocating hating others nor disliking one's self. Instead, the language of hating as used here conveys preference/priorities. It is not a matter of one's emotions but of one's actions and choices. What Jesus is simply saying is that a wise disciple ought to prioritize his relationship with Jesus over all other relationships, choosing consistently over and above all other considerations the will of God with a generous willingness to suffer consequences for imitating Christ. This is a decision that true wisdom will enable a disciple to commit to after a careful evaluation of what he intends to embrace.

As we reflect on God's word at the liturgy today, let us ask Him to send us His Spirit who will endow us with prudence as we choose Jesus over all others everyday. It is good to be back at St. Benedict, I pray to God to keep us all healthy and faithful. Please continue to be kind and may God bless you.

Fr. Manasseh lorchir, VC