First Reading: Wisdom 9:13–18
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 90:3–14)
"In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge."
Second Reading: (Philemon 9–10, 12–17)
Alleluia: (Psalm 119:135)
Gospel: (Luke 14:25–33)
Reflection
It's all about plans and strategy. The game of chess is fun, but without strategy, you will never win. Some people obsess over the chess pieces, they know their movements and representation perfectly, yet they rarely win a match. I am one of those people. Against a computer on medium level, I could manage a win now and then, but at the highest level, forget it. I tried. Strategy makes all the difference.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of counting the cost before beginning anything worthwhile. What to cut out and what to include. It is almost like common sense proposition. Just as a builder considers the expense before laying a foundation, or a king or a nation weighs the odds before going to war, so must we consider what it takes to follow Jesus Christ.
We have seen this truth play out in real life, look at the war in Ukraine and Russia, where both sides may have underestimated the cost of conflict before jumping into it in 2022.
Our strategy in life must be focused on how to make it into heaven, as our ultimate goal. None of us knows the day or the hour when this life will come to an end, so each day we must deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and move closer to Jesus.
The words of Christ about “hating” family for His sake may feel shocking, just like spiritual shock therapy. Of course, it is not literal hatred. We are called to love our families deeply, but never to let them, or anything else, become an obstacle in our pursuit of our eternal life. That means we can love our family and the people around us and have Christ in every aspect of our lives. He is in charge.
This Gospel today was difficult and challenging, but it calls us to wake up. To follow Christ means to hate pride, embrace humility, practice charity, and above all, to give ourselves wholly, heart, mind, soul, and strength, to God.
God bless you, and may this Sunday strengthen your walk with Him.
-Pal Ronnie-
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