TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: DISCIPLESHIP INVOLVES KEEPING OUR EYES ON JESUS

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, President of SECAM

Jeremiah: Condemned for the Truth

The political context of the first reading reveals deep national unrest. Prophet Jeremiah speaks the truth about the impending Babylonian exile, but his message is rejected. The officials, seeking to silence him, conspire to throw him into a cistern. King Zedekiah’s moral weakness manifests in his response to their unfounded demand, “He is in your power.” This exposes his failure to uphold justice for fear of losing popularity. Some moral lessons present here for us: Standing for truth often invites rejection, even from those in authority. Yet God’s voice must be proclaimed. Prophecy demands more than standing with popular opinion.

Ebed-melech: COURAGE TO SPEAK UP

Amid the silence of many, one man speaks up - Ebed-melech. His courage leads the king to reverse his decision and rescue Jeremiah. This man is a lone voice, yet he stands strong for what he believes. A single voice for justice can break through political or communal conspiracy. Courage in discipleship is not always loud, but it is confident, consistent, and clear. The Ebed-melech moment is the moment of witnessing, which may pitch us against public opinions. That is why the gospel sets fire in relationships.

The Fire of Christ and the Cost of Discipleship

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus declares that He came to bring fire and division. The fire in question is not in the spirit of destruction but of purification, decision, and cleansing. The words of Jesus challenge familial and societal norms, calling for a deeper allegiance to God that may rupture even close relationships. The gospel demands loyalty to God, not to any other. Hence, living out the prophetic message can cause discomfort, sometimes even from those closest to us: father against son, mother against daughter, etc.

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus in a Hostile World

The Letter to the Hebrews exhorts believers to run with perseverance the race that is set before us. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus while running this race. Just as Jesus endured suffering, we too are called to remain steadfast, especially when opposed for our faith. Our focus should be on the One who endured the Cross and leads us to glory, not on the resistance we face. Opposition is a natural consequence of discipleship. And as Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo reminded African pastors and church leaders recently, “We should not go ahead of Christ, but allow Him to go before us” (PACTPAN Conference 2025).

Suffering: The Mark of Authentic Witness

From the time of Christ, the Christian journey is marked by suffering. Jesus set the example. The martyrs also endured suffering and death for their faith. The Hebrews author reminds us: 'You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.' Whether through family rejection, peer pressure, or spiritual isolation, the disciple must expect trials. True discipleship does not shy away from the cross but journeys in hope for eternity.

Christian Life Is a Marathon

The saying that the Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon is applicable in our time. Just as navigating a river means enduring its rapids, the journey of faith is filled with spiritual turbulence. The reward, however, is eternal. Victory belongs to those who finish the race.  As Christ said, 'The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.' (Matt. 24:13)

Readings: Jeremiah 38:4–6, 8–10 | Hebrews 12:1–14 | Luke 12:49–53

Reflection Questions

1.    What does “keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus” look like in my daily life? (Are there distractions, fears, or comforts that tempt me to take my eyes off the goal of witnessing to the gospel?)

2.    When I face rejection or resistance because of my faith—especially within my family or social circles—do I remain committed to Christ, or do I retreat into silence or compromise? (What is one way I can grow in courage like Jeremiah or Ebed-melech?)

3.    Am I more focused on pleasing people or on proclaiming the truth of the gospel, even when it’s uncomfortable? (In what areas of my life is God asking me to speak or live more boldly for Him?)