Meeting House Worship Space
Moses Johnson, 1793
My dear friends,
Today, let us reflect upon the profound teachings of Jesus Christ as found in Luke 14:25-33, which offer us valuable insights into the path of renunciation.
and he turned and said to them,
"Whoever comes to me
and does not hate father and mother,
wife and children, brothers and sisters,
yes, and even life itself,
cannot be my disciple."
- Luke 14:25-26
At first glance, this statement may seem harsh, but it holds a profound message. Jesus is not advocating hatred towards our loved ones or life itself, but rather, he is emphasizing the necessity of detaching from worldly attachments that can hinder our spiritual journey.
Renunciation, in the context of Jesus' teachings, is about letting go of the things that hold us back from fully embracing the divine path. It is about recognizing that the attachment we have for our family, possessions, and even our own ego can sometimes become obstacles on the path to true discipleship.
- Luke 14:27
The cross symbolizes the sacrifices that one may have to make on the spiritual path. To be a disciple of Jesus means to embrace these challenges with unwavering faith and devotion. It is a reminder that the path of renunciation is not always easy, but it is necessary for spiritual growth.
does not first sit down and estimate the cost,
to see whether he has enough to complete it?
Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish,
all who see it will begin to ridicule him,
saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
Or what king, going out to wage war against another king,
will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand
to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand?
If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away,
he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace."
- Luke 14:28-32
Here, Jesus offers two parables to illustrate the importance of careful consideration before embarking on a journey of discipleship. Just as a builder estimates the cost of a tower or a king evaluates his ability to wage war, we too must assess the commitment and sacrifices required on the spiritual path:
- Luke 14:33
Here, Jesus is not necessarily asking us to ignore our material needs, but rather, he is urging us to relinquish our attachment to possessions. True renunciation is not about abandoning the world but letting go of our unhealthy attachment to it.
Renunciation is a universal principle found in many spiritual traditions. It is not exclusive to Christianity; it is a fundamental aspect of the path to inner peace and enlightenment. Its purpose is to free our hearts and minds from the grip of craving (tanha) for, and attachment to, things that are by their nature impermanent and unsatisfying.
My dear friends, let us reflect on the teachings of Jesus in these verses. It is a call to embrace the challenges of the spiritual path, and to let go of our attachments, for it is through renunciation that we can find a deeper connection with the divine. May we all strive to become true disciples, following the path of love, compassion, and selflessness.