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 23^RD SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

DISCIPLINE: THE CHRISTIAN WAY OF LIFE

(Luke14:25-33)

Discipline is a word that is taken seriously by only a very few. Discipline is what differentiates the serious person from a careless one. It is the path to life in Christ. Discipline is an attitude of a disciple. Discipline stems from 'disciple' which comes from the Latin root 'discipuli'. A 'discipuli' is a student, a pupil, a follower. In the Palestinian context, he is a student of a particular rabbi or master. John the Baptist had his own disciples. Jesus, when He came, like others who lived before Him gathered people around Him and many too conglomerated around Him by themselves. His teachings, works and way of life attracted people to Him; and behind Him a lot of people trooped.

Thus, in the Gospel of today, He looks to see those following Him and how they are following Him if they really knew the demands of such a decision.

 

WHO IS BEHIND ME?

The Igbo translates a disciple as 'Nwa azu' which literally means one who follows behind a master, who traces the steps of a teacher, a dedicated imitator, an apprentice, one who tries to learn from a master. He is so careful that he wishes not to miss any step. The good disciple is so disciplined that he reads every movement of the master and will not like to displease him. Thus, he keeps following with all in him.

As a caring master Jesus looks back. He wanted to know who and who is following and why. To His greatest dismay it was a large crowd.

He asks within Himself: why are all these coming behind me? Jesus wants to know those behind Him answering Christians and why they are following Him.

What are you doing behind Jesus? Jesus puts this question to you today: why are you following me? Following Jesus means keeping Him in front and making Him all that matters. As He leads the way, He wants to know who is really following.

 

Some people come to Jesus for protection, for vengeance, for fruit of the womb, to be fed, for healing etc. Are these the main reasons we should be following Jesus? After getting these what next? How long does your Christian discipline endure?

Since after your Baptism how far? Since after your marriage, how well are you living the marital life? Since after your ordination how priestly are you? Since after your profession, how serious have you been with those vows? Since you entered that public office what sacrifices are you making?  These are the things Jesus looks back to see. Are you living based on Christian disciplines and values? Are you a seasoned Christian indeed in that space you occupy?

Jesus looks back to see if really those behind Him are following like a crowd or as convinced disciplined individuals? Have you developed a special attitude in your relationship with God that marks you out positively before God as a special heavenly candidate?

 

HOW WE OUGHT TO FOLLOW

Admission into the Jesus' school of discipline is open with a price. Jesus says that it must not be with unwillingness to sacrifice one's love for any other thing that he has placed above Him: friends, family, relations, wealth, possession, ego, money, etc.

Self-control is a good synonym of discipline, not just self-control but Jesus-controlled life. Discipline demands keeping away the apparent sweet things to get hold of everlasting joy in the Lord. Discipline calls for the ability to stay focused on the goal of fulfilling the master's will.  Discipline means saying yes to the master's will and no to the agents of distraction enticing us with those easy-going, sweet solutions we desire. But sometimes, the hard way is the best way.

 

DISCIPLINE VS EASY LIFE

Discipline reminds you that nothing good comes easy, that following Jesus is walking along the heavenly way, it is not an easy road for we are travelling to heaven...

Discipline reminds you that marriage is not a bed of roses, that even roses have thorns. The couple should be mature to handle marital problems when they come and with self-control avoid some issues from arising at all.

It reminds you that the Christian life is not always about 'it shall be well with you' but also of the cross.

It warns the politician that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. To whom much is given, much is expected.

Discipline helps the student to study and not play away.

Discipline challenges the businessman not to be wasteful with time and resources.

Discipline encourages you to know that when the going gets tough, the tough must get going.

Discipline taught by Christ today helps you to sit and ponder; the way forward, to live an examined life, to ask oneself essential disciplinary questions with regard to walking according to Divine will.

Discipline empowers you to wage a war against indiscipline and conquer the enemies of our salvation be it the self, the world or the devil.

Child of God, may you be wise enough to follow Jesus with discipline today so that when our Lord looks back, He will find you following Him with the right disposition, not around the moneybags, not partying with those who have sold their consciences, not in the company of those who have no respect for values.

May we rather be found following with love and in obedience with the commandments of God. May our following attract the blessings, favours and mercies of the Lord to follow us all the days of our lives

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Almighty Everliving God, we thank You for calling us to follow you. Dear Lord, in following You there are many obstacles distracting us. Keep our hearts fixed on You. Give us the sufficient grace we need to be where You want us to be. May we not worship from afar but be drawn nearer to You even through the crosses on this way. Grant our prayers and bless us through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you (23rd Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr. C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh