Luke 14:25-33
By Jerome J. Sabatowich
Like other teachers of his day, Jesus sometimes used exaggeration to emphasize a point. To stress that our loyalty to him is most important, Jesus says in today’s Gospel that anyone who wants to be a follower first has to turn his back on parents and family. Jesus does not literally mean we should sever all our ties with those we love, but that we shouldn’t allow anyone or anything to get in the way of being his disciple.
One of the most misunderstood passages in the New Testament is also part of today’s Gospel. Jesus says that whoever wants to be his disciple must take up the cross and follow him, a passage some people interpret to mean Jesus wants us to patiently accept whatever pains and sorrows come our way. Without rejecting this explanation, there is another interpretation we should consider.
The Greek word for “cross” in this passage is tau, the name of one of the letters in the Greek alphabet. A tau looks something like a + or an X, and the Jews sometimes traced it on the forehead as a way of dedicating themselves to God. Thus, taking up one’s tau or tracing the tau on one’s forehead meant the person belonged to God just like a brand on a steer indicates it belongs to a particular rancher.
When Jesus says his followers should take up their cross (tau), he meant they should give themselves or dedicate themselves to God as the instruments he will use to bring his peace and love to the world. This dedication should be so complete that the person should not allow even family or friends to get in the way of living as Jesus’ follower.
Because Jesus realizes what he is asking is not going to be easy, he warns those listening to him that they should first calculate what being his follower will involve. Like the man who built the tower or the king who went into battle, the person who wants to be Jesus’ disciple must first determine if it is possible to complete the task, giving up family and possessions, if necessary, for the building of God’s kingdom. That’s the challenge for us Christians everyday of our lives.
For Reflection
Francis of Assisi knew what dedicating one’s self to God really meant. Francis’ famous prayer begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; and where there is sadness, joy.” Do you allow God to work through you, bringing his peace, love, joy, and forgiveness to your family and friends?