In the first reading today from Philippians 2, St. Paul writes, “Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world.” Are we shining the light of Jesus to the world today?
In the Gospel reading from Luke 14, Jesus talks about the cost of following Him. “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Tough stuff, no?
Finally, Jesus tells a couple of short stories about counting the cost. Here’s the bottom line: when we sign on to follow Jesus, we must understand that it is going to cost us everything. Jesus said, “Everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” Following Jesus doesn’t cost a lot. It costs everything.
Father, help us to be willing to give it all up for Jesus. May we carry our cross today with joy and hope. Amen.
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