In chapter 14 of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is speaking to people gathered
at the table about the difficulties of following him. This group of people
is suspicious about Jesus, looking to catch him doing something wrong.
Jesus speaks to them in parables, emphasizing that although there is a right way
to be a disciple and enter into the kingdom of his Father, it is a difficult path to
follow. Many, even some of the guests at the table, reject the invitation.
So, Jesus turns to the crowds and speaks to them of discipleship.
Jesus explains that, when it comes to making a choice for the Kingdom of
God, nothing can get in the way. When Jesus describes “hating” one’s father
and mother, he is not talking about feelings. Rather, he is emphasizing
very strongly that choosing to be a disciple means that everything
else—family, money, your own life—must come second. In Matthew’s
version of this story (Matthew 10:37), Jesus refers not to “hating” father
or mother, but to loving them more than Jesus. Jesus makes it very clear
that being a disciple is not easy. It means to bear one’s own cross. These
difficult sayings of Jesus are followed by two brief parables
(a person constructing a tower and a king marching into battle) that make
an obvious point—don’t start what you cannot finish. Discipleship is difficult
and is something we can commit to only if we are prepared to put the
Kingdom of God before everything else.
© https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/
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