The angels proclaimed "peace" (Lk. 2:14) to the Shepherds at Bethleham heralding the birth of Jesus. But to be a true follower of Jesus one has to pay a price: the would-be disciple would be ostracized by his family and friends who would discourage him/her from taking risks and disapprove all efforts to remain true to the mission of Christ, especially if such actions disturb their own complacency! The paradoxical saying about losing and finding one's life (10:39) emphasizes that no sacrifice is too great for his followers. What is true of Jesus is also the norm for his followers. Some of us have an exceptional mission bringing with it extraordinary risks such as the need to break away from dependency within the family unit which does not/may not nurture the human and spiritual growth of members. A true love of Christ gives one the freedom of spirit to rise above the mediocre in order to pursue gospel values.

The cross mentioned here for the first time in Matthew's Gospel foreshadows Jesus' fate. The true disciple is ready to follow Jesus even to the Cross. When it is a question of loyalty to him, Jesus demands from his followers nothing less than martyrdom itself. There is no permanent loyalty to anyone or anything except to respond to the actions of the Spirit, improving the quality of human life.