Reflection on Today's readings, Wednesday, 31st Week in Ordinary Time Year II, and the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, November 4th, 2020
Texts: Phil. 2:12-18; Ps. 27:1.4.13-14; Luke 14:25-33
Jesus Christ, in today's gospel, reminds us that becoming a Christian is a matter of decision based on sound judgement. He begins by telling us what it takes to be his disciple. Being the disciple of Jesus Christ requires giving up of all forms of distraction, and total devotion to him. Being his disciple demands that one loves him with his whole heart, with his whole might and with his whole soul. This is because he is God and it means that he deserves our full trust. Such a trust cannot be given to a man. It is written thus: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man" (Ps. 118:8). The wise says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5).
Only God deserves our total devotion and full trust because he is ever faithful, he does not fail or disappoint. Jesus Christ, because he is God, requires from us, his disciples, total devotion and full trust. Hence, he says, "If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." The total devotion requires readiness to give up our lives for his sake.
Devotion to Jesus Christ comes with trials, temptations, persecution, self-discipline and challenges. Jesus says we must be sure that we can bear the challenges before we say yes to him. He says, "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to be build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" When our decision to be come Christian is well informed, we will be firm in our faith. Hence, in trying moment we will be able to speak in the words of today's psalm: "I believe I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong; be stout-hearted, and wait for the Lord!"
We have to make informed decision to avoid making mockery of the faith. When we make informed decision, we will not do eye-service, we will serve no one, priest or pastor, but God. With informed decision our vision will be clear, we will do all things without grumbling or questioning, we will be able to run the race till the end. Then we will give glory to God and Christ will rejoice that his sacrifice is not in vain.
Today's first reading gives important message that will not be left out here: the only way to appreciate our priests or pastors and make them happy is by living a life worthy of the faith they have preached to us. Most importantly, living a life worthy of the faith is the proper way of showing gratitude to God for the gift of faith, for the gift of his Son Jesus Christ who saved us, and to Jesus Christ for laying down his life for us.
St. Charles Borromeo, whose Memorial is today, was a good administrator and pastor. He was a lawyer. He put his talent, gift and skill into use for the Church. He helped in drafting the then catechism for the Church, reforming the liturgy and music of the Church. He also gave shape to the decrees of council of Trent. As a pastor he reformed his diocese and introduced sanity; he brought life to the diocese of Milan. During famine he fed people from the diocese's store; he cared for the sick, buried the dead, and fed people during an outbreak of plague. He understood what it means to a disciple of Jesus Christ, and he acted accordingly.
Lord our God, make us conscious of the cost of being your disciple and strengthen our will to bear the cost. Amen.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
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