Many people think that Jesus came to preach a soft gospel. They believe that as Christians, they can live an untroubled and peaceful life by fulfilling certain religious obligations and rituals. To them, their values, such as forgiveness and peace, are readily given and require no effort.

In today's Gospel, however, Jesus reminds us that there is a side to His message that demands Christians to do more than fulfil obligations or participate in rituals. He insists that we commit our lives totally to Him. This means we must decide whether we are for Him or against Him. It is not enough to be a Christian by name. To be a Christian means, we forsake everything and everyone who stands in the way of our total commitment to Christ.

This is why Christian discipleship is costly. Our choice for Christ may even cause divisions and conflicts in the family and community. In the face of these, a Christian must hold on to a clear set of Gospel values and priorities. This commitment to Jesus is not based primarily on human kinship but on hearing and doing God's Word.

So, are we totally for Jesus? If we have not committed ourselves totally to Jesus, then there is still time for a decision, warns Jesus. He has already come to set the earth on fire. And by sending the Holy Spirit, He has started to separate the wheat from the chaff. So do not wait too long. Because before we know it, the time for judgement will be upon us.