Demands for Discipleship

08-30-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

The prophet Jeremiah had a timid, introspective disposition, yet God chose him: “I place my words into your mouth!” says the Lord. Jeremiah led a lonely life; he never married and was avoided by friends, priests, and relatives because he was a prophet and because of his mission. He was not a very popular prophet of his time, because nobody wants to be blamed for their sins. Jeremiah carried many crosses; he was arrested, put in jail, in an empty cistern, and constantly feared for his life. Despite the many hardships, he continued to preach the word of God and preached the truth.

Paul was the greatest missionary to the Gentiles; he visited as many places or communities as he could. Each place is different; this was Paul's cross. He literally had to know more about every community he established to be an effective preacher to them. In Rome, he preached that Christian life is our confirmation and pronouncement of what we believe. That is why Christians consecrate their bodies and their whole being to God.

In the Gospel last Sunday, Jesus gave Peter full authority over His Church. Today, Jesus rebukes Peter for being a stumbling block and endangering his spirit because he failed to understand the importance of suffering, and He reorients him to what discipleship is all about. For Jesus, discipleship requires taking up one’s cross and following Him. He must be willing to give up everything for the Kingdom, even his own life for the sake of Christ.

A Disciple Must Carry His Cross

1. It is very human to measure one’s worth in life by one’s success. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, everyone was impressed by his words of preaching: “He preached with authority and not like the Scribes.” Jesus was frustrated with the Jewish authorities because they failed to recognize His mission.
2. Jesus failed in winning over the authorities and the people. The authorities were so stubborn; was it the Father’s design that Jesus had to suffer and His blood was to be the ransom for their sins? Scripture describes His death with the Greek word δεῖ (dei) = must; Christ must suffer and die because this was the Father's design and as foretold in Scripture.
3. In Mt 4, one of the temptations of Jesus was success and avoiding suffering. Why suffer? The Devil tempted Him to seek success, performing wonderful tasks so people would be impressed and believe. Jesus responded, saying: Dt. 6:16 “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” He knew the design of the Father and accepted His Will wholeheartedly.
4. Jesus saved us by suffering and dying for us. Christianity is the religion of the CROSS; this is a fact: “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross and follow me.” To take up one’s cross means to be ready to face our own crucifixion for the sake of Christ. A disciple must be willing to lose his life for the sake of the Gospel and its message, Jesus Christ.

Lord, help us to choose to carry and to stay on the Way of the Cross, especially when it is not easy.