“Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything we have.”

Billy Graham

The disciples asked Jesus why he spoke to the crowd in parables. Jesus' answer sounds puzzling:

Matthew 13:11

To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

But here he sounds like he wants to reserve his words to a special group. The Catechism explains, “Through his parables he invites people to the feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything. Words are not enough, deeds are required… One must enter the kingdom, that is, become a disciple of Christ, in order to ‘know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven’. For those who stay ‘outside’, everything remains enigmatic.” (CCC 546)

Becoming a disciple means entering into a relationship with Jesus. As we spend more time with him and get to know him better, he tells us amazing things that those who stay “outside” will never hear.

REFLECTION:

Would I say yes to be part of Jesus' club with exclusive benefits? Am I ready to pay the price to become his disciple?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, grant me the courage to deny myself, so that I can follow you wholeheartedly.

As my response to your invitation, Lord, besides adhering to the rules of fasting and abstinence required by the Church, I am willing to give up one more thing for you.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.