Bold Intercession & Radical Discipleship

Gen 18:16-33; Psalm: 102; Mt 8:18-22

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today, we will reflect on the two powerful concepts that can transform our lives and the world around us: Bold Intercession and Radical Discipleship. These are not just lofty ideas but are deeply rooted in our faith and call to action.

Let us first turn our hearts to the story of Abraham in Genesis 18. Here we find Abraham standing before the Lord, interceding for the city of Sodom. It is a remarkable picture of a divine dialogue where Abraham approaches God with both reverence and audacity. He pleads for mercy, asking if God would spare the city for the sake of the righteous. What courage it takes to challenge the Almighty! This is the heart of intercession – a blend of holy audacity, humility, and compassion.

Holy audacity is about having the boldness to approach God, knowing that He hears our cries and values our prayers. Abraham did not shy away from asking God difficult questions. Instead, he stepped forward, trusting in God’s character. We, too, are called to intercede with that same boldness. When we pray for our cities, for our nation, and the world, let us do so with confidence that our prayers matter.

Yet, intercession is not solely about boldness. It requires humility. Abraham recognized his own frailty as a human being. He didn’t come with a sense of entitlement but approached God with a heart that understood the gravity of the situation. In our own intercessory prayers, we must remember our place before God. We are His servants, called to stand in the gap for others, recognizing that we are not above anyone, but rather are all in need of His grace.

And then we have compassion, a vital ingredient in our prayers. Abraham’s heart broke for the people of Sodom, and so should ours for those who are lost and broken around us. Intercessory prayer is not just a ritual; it is an act of love. When we pray for the ‘Sodoms’ of our day, may we do so with tears in our eyes and a heart that longs for redemption.

Now, let us turn to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Matthew 8. In this passage, Jesus calls us to a radical discipleship that demands undivided allegiance. He speaks to the cost of following Him, urging us to detach from our comforts and put Him first in our lives. Discipleship is not a casual decision; it is a commitment that requires our all. The urgency of the Kingdom beckons us to respond immediately to God’s promptings. When we feel that nudge to serve, to give, or to speak out, let us not hesitate. The time is now. We cannot afford to wait for the perfect conditions or the right moment. God’s call requires our immediate response. As we embrace this radical discipleship, we are also called to be salt and light in our communities. We must transform society, not by blending in but by standing out as beacons of hope and love. Our lives should reflect the character of Christ in such a way that others are drawn to Him.

So, how do we apply this in our daily lives? First, become an intercessor. Pray boldly for your cities and your communities. Practice that holy audacity, remembering the heart of God is to save and redeem. Second, embrace radical discipleship by detaching from what holds you back and putting Christ first. Third, answer God’s call immediately. Do not delay; the world needs your voice now. Finally, be the salt and light that transforms society. Remember: 10 righteous people can save a city.

Brothers and sisters, let us rise up in bold intercession and radical discipleship. Let us be the ones who stand in the gap, who respond to the call, and who shine brightly for our Lord. Together, let us change the world, one prayer and one act of obedience at a time. Amen.

St. Catherine of Siena said: “God’s will is an abyss; our prayers are the buckets that draw from it.”

Pope Francis teaches: “Abraham’s prayer teaches us to insist with God… not to lose heart when evil seems triumphant” (General Audience, 2019).

St. John Chrysostom warns: “Christ requires not hesitation but resolution—not duties of the law, but the wings of faith.”

Pope Benedict XVI wrote: “Discipleship is not a part-time occupation… It demands total surrender” (Jesus of Nazareth).

Pope St. John Paul II (Veritatis Splendor, 88):
“Christ’s call demands immediate response… Delays betray fear of the Cross.”