Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
Reflection for Aug. 18, 2019

Reflection for Aug. 18, 2019

The cost and reward of discipleship

Following Jesus is a gift but it doesn't preclude us from suffering

by Sister Laura Zelten

Scriptural images of Jesus are often pleasant, kind and gentle: the Good Shepherd, the healer and the teacher. Today’s Gospel is more sobering. Jesus talks about a “baptism” to come, one that will bring anguish. What could he possibly mean by these destructive words?

The overarching message Jesus offers us is life-changing, radical and transformative. Jesus calls us to follow Him. We choose our response. If we decide to follow Jesus then we must allow change in our lives -- including division in our families and communities. This is what true discipleship requires: to be inflamed with God's love and zeal for the mission of Jesus no matter the cost.

The choice to embrace and welcome the call is ours. If we say “yes” to following Jesus then we, too, will be called to live the paschal mystery -- suffering, dying and rising with Jesus. It is through our baptism that we are made anew. The life-giving Spirit encourages us to open ourselves to the transformative message of Jesus and to share that with the world.

6 Comments

Cindi K Brawner
08/16/2019 7:52 am

Thanks Sr Laura, excellent thought provoking question to consider. Keep up all the good work you are doing to bring people to Jesus!

Debra Haven
08/16/2019 1:30 pm

It's a wonderful reflection and summation on our Sacrament of Baptism and the ups and downs of the rest of our life.

Sister Donna Koch
08/16/2019 7:59 pm

Allowing change in my life is the challenge. I am not sure I am always up to the call or even aware of it at times. Thank you for the reminder.

Kathy Konop
08/18/2019 6:05 pm

Facing the challenges once answering Jesus' call.... may even come from with in

AMEN

Randy Miller
08/19/2019 5:52 am

Father Bill in his Homily on this Gospel from Luke this Sunday said if we want to follow Jesus their is a price (a cost) to pay - potentially dangerous and divisive. I choose Jesus. Amen!!!

Sr. Rose Jochmann
08/20/2019 2:50 pm

Thanks for the reminder that suffering and challenging situations. That is all part of our mission.

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