Must we really turn our backs on all those we love in order to follow Christ? Throughout the centuries, many Christians have taken this command quite literally, completely separating themselves from the ways of the world and even from their family relationships, and finding a seemingly assured way to eternal life. But must everyone do this? If every Christian followed the command literally, they would be denying the sacredness of marriage and family life which the bulk of Scripture strongly underscores. Is there a way to another valid interpretation?

The parallel passage in Mt 10:37-39 (see Thirteenth Sunday, Year A) indicates that the basic understanding of this command of Jesus is to keep all earthly matters, including the deepest family relationships, subordinated to the following of Christ. Often we can harmonize human realities with the divine — in fact, human relationships can become signs of God’s love, and can serve to deepen our relationship with him. But if any earthly attachments stand in the way of God’s Kingdom, we cannot avoid the choice: turn our backs on these attachments . . . or turn our backs on the Kingdom. Jesus has just spoken about the equality of all members of his Kingdom (vv 7-14), and declared that all mankind without exception is invited, although not all will accept the invitation (vv 15-24 — see Twenty-Eighth Sunday, Year A). Now he tells about what is required to accept. Notice that the occasion has changed from a relatively intimate dinner table conversation to an address to a large crowd. Crowds are usually motivated by superficial attractions. A good show will bring a starry-eyed following today, but tomorrow those raving fans will find something new to get wild about.

Jesus says that this sort of flighty following is not enough. The kingdom requires selfless dedication and constancy. The way of Christ must be placed before all else, even life itself. (Recall that when the Gospels were being written, the persecution of the Church had already begun. Christians were being called to follow Christ quite literally in carrying the cross to death.)

Discipleship demands a price, and those who seek to be disciples must be ready to pay the price, or they shouldn’t bother (vv 28-33). Christians are called to be in the world and to change it, as salt becomes part of the food and yet transforms it (v 34). Salt is both a seasoning and a preservative. But if Christians fail — either by separating themselves from the world, like salt that remains in the shaker, or by merging indistinguishably into the world, like a stale or phony seasoning that lacks the power to improve the character of the food — then it would have been better had they never undertaken discipleship.

Chapter 9 gives us a prayer for wisdom attributed to King Solomon, who lived 800 years before the book was written and was famous for his wisdom. The roots of this prayer are in 1 Kgs 3:9 and 1 Chron 1:10. V 11 begins a long hymn in praise of wisdom, leading to a summary of God’s care for his people in history (chapters 11-19).

God’s ways are above and beyond human wisdom. This reading relates to the Gospel insofar as the call of Christ is to step out of the limitations of human nature and to share in the reality of God.

This psalm recognizes God’s dominion over all creation and seeks his powerful protection and help. Response: "In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge."

Read the whole letter, it is very brief. Attempting to mediate between a wealthy Christian and his runaway slave presented a dilemma to Paul which put his preaching to a severe practical test. His response is a reflection on the Christian’s role as a transforming presence in the world.

1. Discuss the cost of being a disciple of Christ in your life; in the lives of people you know and admire.

2. How can Paul’s advice to Philemon apply to the situations we face today.