Newsletter Article
June 26, 2016
Dcn Francis Sotalbo
Jesus never backed out of His mission. He knew what would happen to Him in Jerusalem; a lot of opposition to His ministry. But His determination and unwavering commitment to His people and to His Father prompted Him to make the journey back to Jerusalem. In doing so the group had to pass through the village of the Samaritans, but when they knew that His group was heading to Jerusalem, they did not allow them to rest overnight there before continuing their travel. It was because of many years of conflict between the Jew and the Samaritan regarding their faith and belief. Even Jesus’ disciples wanted to get even with the rude Samaritans, but Jesus never allowed this, because His mission was not only for the Jews, but for all to know Him and receive salvation through His suffering.
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Maybe because of the popularity that His group was gaining, many wanted to go with them, but being a follower or a disciple of Christ requires total denial of oneself toward any attachment in one’s past. His is a life of leaving everything you have, denying yourself the comfort of a permanent home, lots of possessions, and self-gratification. His is a life of being separated from your family and loved ones, following Jesus for the greater cause. It is the most difficult price to pay, to be away from your family; more especially if you are the one that they depend upon. It would be a great burden on your conscience to leave the obligation of your family. But remember, Jesus never said that your family would suffer if you follow Him. No, the scripture says “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” His is a life of leaving all your accomplishments in life and never looking back, or else you might choose to change your mind. These are the standards and “must” requirements in order to be a worthy follower of Christ Jesus.
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Jesus set these standards to prepare the heart and mind of one who would be His follower. It is a total turnaround, never to look back, a sacrifice and a total surrender of one’s life, being ready to deny everything one has and the comfort of life. Jesus knew what kind of life His disciples would experience. It is a life with much suffering and persecution. And we must realize that today in our generation these “policies” have not changed. Does this standard reverberate within the servants of the Church, from the greatest to the least? Are we worthy of His calling, or do we just position ourselves for self-gratification? Today let us examine ourselves, to see if we are truly worthy of being Christ’s follower. To God be the glory.