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Volume II No. 26 June 30, 2002 |
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From the Priest |
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Discipleship: the Pain and the Promise |
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Peace! The subject of our Gospel for today is one close to my heart: Discipleship (Mt. 10:37-42)
Let me invite you to reflect on what I would call the pain (price) and the promise (reward of a life spent as a true disciple of Jesus.
What does God ask of His disciple? Understandably, God wants us to depart from sinful things which do not help us grow, but, in fact, destroy us. Yet, God also wnats us to detach ourselves from people naturally close to us e.g. parents and children, who are not basically bad. Why? Because God wants us to respond to a higher calling: to be with God, to love Him more and to be His instrumrnts in bringing His love to other people; in short, to be witnesses to the Word which is the lofty calling of a true disciple.
Consider that whatever God asks of us. He already did before us. Because of love, God gave His only begotten son that man might be saved from sin. In turn, Jesus very own life on earth was one of genuine committment and obedience to the Father. When He began His ministry, He left behind His mother and His hidden life in Nazareth. In His infinite love and mercy for man, He paid the supreme sacrifice: death on the Cross for our salvation. Surely, He san Justifiably say, "...and whoever does not take up His cross and follow after me is not worthy of me."
When we love God, we carry Him in our hearts. Thus, whatever we do in His name, when we reach out to others, brings God's love to them. As they receive Jesus, the receive, as well, the Father who sent Him.
"And whoever gives only a cup of water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple - amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." What is the reward promised by God to His faithful followers/disciple? Eternal peace and joy in heaven - Life everlasting!
Rev. Fr. Rufino P. Yabut Parish Priest SHJ-MBS Parish Church
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