13th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - Discipleship & “Come To The River”
The main theme of this weekend’s Gospel (Mt 10:38) is the cost of discipleship. As Jesus reminds his disciples, there is a price to be paid by all who wish to be his disciples – by those willing to walk the walk, not just talk the talk: ‘Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me’. Any commitment that is real rather than notional is costly, involving sacrifices and selfless service of others. Take, for example, the commitment of parents to their children, or of doctors and nurses, who often put their lives on the line to serve others, as we say throughout the COVID pandemic.
Some people mistake involvement for commitment but they are not the same. The difference is illustrated by a humorous fable. ‘One day a pig and a hen were walking down the road when the hen says to the pig: “I was thinking we should open a restaurant!” The pig replies: “Hmm, maybe, what would we call it?” The hen responds: “How about ‘Ham-n-Eggs’?” The pig thinks for a moment and says: “No thank you. That would mean I’d be committed, but you’d only be involved.”
The effort to let go of the ties that bind us and to give ourselves totally to the Lord is a life-long process which brings growth and freedom and life, but not without a daily struggle. However, God’s Spirit will be there for us always – supplying guidance and strength. In following Jesus we are set free; in dying to self we are reborn. We would like to end with a short poem on discipleship by Steve Page, entitled Counting the Cost:
Have I loved enough,
Have I denied myself?
Have I ducked the responsibility
That comes with so much grace?
Is mine a cost worth counting?
Is mine a cross worth lifting?
Have I reduced my discipleship
To a too comfortable pace?
Lord, I’m tired of this highway
With its crowded lanes and tolls to pay.
Let me live your love without speed limits
Along your narrow way.
In honour of these readings, we would like to share our latest video, "Come To The River", a beautiful gospel-style hymn by Bob Hurd from his Mass of Glory setting, perfect for baptisms and Sundays where the theme surrounds discipleship, healing and care of the sick.
Video can be watched by clicking here or on the picture below:
