Great crowds were traveling with Jesus and he turned and addressed them.

Such harsh words are usually reserved for the Phariseescalling them, Hypocrites and whitewashed tombs.

But to the crowds Jesus always seemed to be compassionate:

  • He had pity on crowds because, as he said, “They were like sheep without a shepherd”.
  • He was comfortable being in the midst of sinners, whether they be tax collectors or prostitutes.
  • He cared for the poor and outcast.

But in today’s gospel passage, he was turning on the crowd and saying if anyone comes to him without hating his father or mother, wife or children, brothers or sisters, even his whole life, you cannot be my disciple.

There are hints in the gospel of Luke that Jesus has a more challenging message to those who wish to be his disciples.

In Chapter 7 he says to those who let him know that his mother and brothers are outside waiting to see him, he replies “Who is my mother and my brothers and sisters; those who do the will of my Father are brother and sister and mother to me.”

And earlier in chapter 14 he tells the parable of the many people who are to the wedding banquet

  • First he invites his friends and relatives: but the people not ready to make the commitment.
  • Then he invites the blind and lame and deaf, the poor and the beggars ( we are not even sure if they are ready to make the commitment).

Are we much different from the crowd Jesus was talking with?

One third rule to parish membership:

  • 1/3 committed
  • 1/3 somewhat committed
  • 1/3 not committed at all, but consider themselves believers

Discussion at lunch: Deacon Paul and myself.

  • He was more of the gradualist.
  • I suggested there is a point which people have to make a decision as to whether they are in our out, up or down, committed or uncommitted,.

Needing to make a commitment is the first step to finding a way to live spiritually.

  • Story of the man who came to church the six Sundays of Easter.

The simple hunger for religious meaning may be in all people. But the drive to discipleship is not in all people.

Sacrifice is the act of SELF-GIVING that makes life holy.

  • Mother Theresa: radical change in her life.
  • Father and his desire to grow in faith with his son.
  • My decision at an eighth grader.

Steps may be small; commitment is needed daily.

Take up our cross and follow Jesus.

Love God and our neighbor.

The message of Jesus to the crowd in his day is the same we hear every Sunday.

This is my body, given for you; this is my blood poured out for you (TOTAL COMMITMENT)

Now you go and do the same!