Following the Lord

WORD 2day: Friday after Ascension 

June 3, 2022: Acts 25: 13b-21; John 21: 15-19

The total import of following the Lord may not be known to us right at the beginning when we intend to or decide to. But the Lord does not spare the moment. He instructs right from the beginning what can, or what is certain to, befall someone who intends to follow Him. Whoever is not ready to take up his daily cross and follow me is not worthy of me, said Jesus categorically (cf. Mt 10:38). The Lord does not look for disciples through deception or coersion. 

St. Paul was more than certain of everything that awaited him, the sufferings, the persecution and even death for the sake of the Lord. Jesus himself prepares Peter in his post-resurrection encounter with him. Invariably all Jesus's apostles, except James it is said, died the death of martyrs. They were prepared for it and they even considered it their privilege. It was infact the finest way of expressing their love for their Master and Lord.

Today, with the increasing number of anti-Christian skeptics and anti-Reign elements, our challenge to be disciples becomes more and more demanding. However, it remains categorical as ever. We could either choose to remain faithful disciples and face the brunt of it all, or choose to go with the flow of the rest of the society and spare ourselves of all these inconveniences. We know the call that we have received and that would determine what our choice should be. There can be no compromises. 

Following the Lord means following Him in everything, right till the end, right till the cross! It is not a negative choice, to choose to suffer. It is an absolutely positive choice, to live a life that is integral, committed and following the Lord!