Wishes and Must in Following Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eighteenth Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:24-28*

*First Reading : Dt 4:32-40*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 77:12-13, 14-15, 16 and 21*

*Wishes and Must in Following Jesus*

*Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself*

*1) "Whoever Wishes": The Open Invitation*

Jesus’ invitation to follow Him is wide-ranging and inclusive. 

The phrase *"whoever wishes"* indicates that the call to follow Jesus is open to all. 

It’s a universal invitation to anyone who is willing to choose to follow Him, regardless of background, status, or past.

The “whoever wishes” element of following Jesus emphasizes the freedom of choice in discipleship. 

No one is excluded based on merit or personal history. Jesus calls anyone and everyone to come and follow Him.

It shows that the door to discipleship is wide open

*2) "Must": The Requirement for True Discipleship*

While Jesus' invitation to follow Him is open to everyone, the "must" represents the non-negotiable cost of true discipleship. 

To follow Jesus is not just a matter of desiring or wishing; it requires action, intentionality, and sacrifice. 

The "must" speaks to the requirements of discipleship: self-denial, sacrifice, and a willingness to embrace the cross. Jesus is clear that following Him involves a cost.

The "must" highlights the seriousness of following Jesus. 

It's not a hobby or a casual interest—it’s a lifestyle that requires radical change. 

*3) "Whoever Wishes" in the Context of God's Grace*

Jesus does not say, "Only those who are good enough can follow Me." 

Instead, He says, "Whoever wishes." This highlights the freedom of God’s grace: anyone can respond to His call. 

Salvation is available to all who choose to follow Jesus, regardless of their past, sin, or failures.

However, the "must" comes into play when we understand that true discipleship is not a shallow decision—it’s about being transformed. 

*4) The Cost of Following Jesus: A Life of Surrender*

The *"must"* also speaks to the constant act of surrender that is required in discipleship. 

It’s not a one-time decision—it’s a daily choice to surrender our will, our ambitions, and our plans in order to follow Jesus’ will. 

Jesus calls us to follow Him without conditions, without holding anything back.

The "wish" to follow Jesus must continually be transformed into the "must" of obedience, sacrifice, and commitment.

*5) The Reward of Following Jesus*

The "must" may involve sacrifice, but the reward is eternal. 

Jesus promises that the life we give up for His sake will be replaced with abundant life. 

Discipleship might be hard, but it is never without reward. 

The true joy of following Jesus comes when we give up the temporary things of this world for the eternal riches found in Him.

*6) The Call to "Wish" and "Must"*

The tension between "whoever wishes" and "must" is not just a matter of casual choice but a deep call to radical discipleship. 

The invitation is open to all, but it comes with a cost. To follow Jesus means to desire His will above all else and to must align every part of our life with His purposes. 

The journey of discipleship is marked by the freedom of choice but also the necessity of commitment. 

The true follower of Jesus does not just wish to follow but makes the daily choice to deny self, take up the cross, and live out the call of Jesus.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*