True Discipleship
ROM 13:8–10, Psalm 111, and Luke 14:25–33
In today’s gospel, Jesus lays down the demands for discipleship. Jesus is so honest about the demands of discipleship that no one would claim to be induced. So, he says, “If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple.” To his disciples, we must love God above all things.
Again, he says, “Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Following Jesus has its own challenges. These challenges are necessary stages for salvation.
In addition, in the first reading, St. Paul says, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” Beloved, with these conditions, are you ready to follow Jesus? Jesus stood before the crowd and gave them these demands so that they could examine themselves and be convinced about their resolve.
Let us pray
Eternal Father, have mercy and save us. Give us grace to overcome the challenges that come our way. So that we can sing the song of victory through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
