In the homily this Sunday, September 4, from the Santa Agatha church in Miami, United States, Monsignor Silvio Báez, auxiliary bishop of Managua, spoke of commitment and the duty of every human being to follow the paths of God without any interest.
Referring to the biblical reading of the Gospel according to Saint Luke, where the biblical story of those who wanted to follow Jesus is told, the prelate pointed out that Jesus is realistic, “he respects us and wants us to follow him responsibly and consciously.”
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“His words about the family, the cross and the renunciation of goods are harsh, they are radical demands that may still be unusual for us today, but we must listen to them. Jesus knows that many times we follow him carried away by momentary enthusiasm, seeking to satisfy our own needs or to solve the problems we have », he added.
He also exhorted that “sometimes the family can become a world closed in on itself, suffocating and selfish, which prevents seeing the world and the suffering of people, stopping the commitment of some of its members in favor of charity, justice and the good. Well, not even the most intimate affections should come before the love of Jesus».
He emphasized that religion is and has been manipulable and “that the very name of God can be used selfishly for one’s own benefit.” He stressed that “Jesus was not interested in popularity, nor in the number of people who followed him.”
“How different Jesus is from the populist leaders!”
In reference to the current situations that society is experiencing, where attempts are made to manipulate the conscience, the prelate exhorted that “how different Jesus is from the populist leaders, who present themselves embodying the aspirations of the people and delivering exalted speeches with which they only pretend subdue the masses!”
Alluding to the speeches and the questionable religious faith of the Nicaraguan regime, Báez pointed out that “how different Jesus is from the politicians who irresponsibly exploit nationalism, they proclaim themselves the voice of the poor and make up the polls to appear popular! How different Jesus is from politicians who take advantage of people’s needs, offering them superfluous gifts and promising to solve all their problems!».
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He affirmed that Jesus reminds us that in order to be his disciple one must have a heart free from ambition, “go through life lightly with luggage and not be sickly attached to money and material goods. Everything can become an idol to which we adore and to which we dedicate our thoughts, efforts and life. Each one knows the name of his “private god”, whom he adores, for whom he lives and before whom he secretly surrenders».
“The cross is the price of love. The cross is the price we pay when we love with an authentic and faithful love. Taking up the cross is taking care of others, making our life a generous gift to make their existence more bearable and happy. Whoever follows Jesus, sooner or later, will have to carry the cross in the image of the Master». Indian.
the true disciples
On the other hand, the religious stressed that “taking up the cross is living and announcing the great values of the Gospel, without being discouraged or backing down, even when this brings us difficulties.”
Referring to the fear of preaching the gospel, the bishop said that it is no use being a disciple of Jesus “who lives in fear and silence in the face of injustice, trying (…) to avoid suffering the reprisals of the powerful.”
“It is useless who lives avoiding problems and conflicts, running the risk of becoming an accomplice of tyrants and oppressors. Taking up the cross is also lowering ourselves to the world of the poor and the victims to be on their side, feel their anguish and fight for their dignity and liberation. Taking up the cross is above all assuming the painful consequences of fighting to eliminate the suffering of those crucified from society,” Báez exclaimed.
It is not easy to follow Jesus, but it is not impossible. It is possible when we follow him not as the fruit of our effort, but as a gift that we receive from on high (…) His words are unforgettable: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (Jn 15,16 ); “Apart from me, they can do nothing” (Jn 15,5)”, concluded the Catholic leader, who asked for the freedom of political prisoners in Nicaragua and “that soon they can return to their homes”.
