Five Disciplines of Discipleship

A good reflection on today's Gospel reading:

"Five Disciplines of Discipleship, " by Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC):

"The first observation for this Sunday's Gospel is that it provides a kind of remedy for the sappy portraits of Jesus that seem to predominate today. Such portraits present Jesus as the quintessential 'nice guy' whose main task was to affirm people, befriend the poor and generally be 'nice.' It is a true fact that he did affirm, he befriended the poor and did have some nice things to say. But it is also true that Jesus is firm and uncompromising in setting forth conditions for discipleship. In today's Gospel Jesus is clear in his own resolve and demands the same from those will follow him. There are to be no excuses and no postponements. He wants a decision. He is clear as to what that decision must be and he is not willing  to wait for an answer tomorrow. This is no sappy or syrupy Jesus. He is serious and sets forth sober principles that he expects to be followed."

To continue reading Msgr. Pope's reflection, including the "Five Disciplines," visit:

Msgr. Charles Pope: Five Disciplines of Discipleship