The disciple had not sold everything and given to the poor in order to follow Jesus in his pursuit of crucifixion. But on the other hand, a true friend is one who will risk the friendship for the sake of the friend, knowing that love sometimes requires strong medicine. We should always watch out for the sweetness of character that backs off from the pain of confrontation. Indeed, to the degree that we care, friendship always carries with it the right to accuse. Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts, but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Love never justifies attitudes that evade reality.
Jesus knew that and knew the costliness of obedience to the will of God. Saints like Mother Teresa and Bishop Heldar Camera, may have earned the right to side with Jesus, but if we are honest, most of us must take our stand with Peter. After all, I too want to believe that God wills my survival, not that God is looking forward to my funeral. I too want to believe that God wants me to be happy and that God cares about my comfort. But I can't get around the jolting realization that according to this morning's gospel passage at least, God doesn't really care about me being comfortable all the time.