Shanborlang Mawrie csc –
Readings: Gen 3:9-15; 2 Cor 4:13-5:1; Mk 3:20-35
Today’s readings address the cost of discipleship, particularly emphasized in Jesus’ response to family concerns.
Discipleship entails surrendering one’s own will and desires to align with God’s will, even amidst hardship or opposition. Jesus’ call to discipleship is one of total dedication, as underscored in His instruction to take up one’s cross and follow Him. He tells His disciples, “If anyone wants to come with me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mt 16:24). Satan endeavours to weaken God’s grace within us, but Jesus seeks to free us from the forces of evil that bind us, allowing us to live in true freedom and love as God’s children. To achieve this, we must humbly open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him full ownership of our lives.
Therefore, as disciples of Jesus, we must daily nourish ourselves with divine grace through spiritual practices to avoid falling prey to evil influences. In the face of trials, we must maintain unwavering faith, as St. Paul encourages in his second letter to the Corinthians, knowing that our temporary suffering is outweighed by the eternal glory awaiting believers in heaven.