First Reading : (Romans 13:8–10)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 112)
Response: It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends.
Gospel: (Luke 14:25–33)
Reflection
Today’s Gospel challenges us with some of the most radical words of Jesus:
“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother… and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
At first glance, these words seem harsh, even contradictory to the commandment to “honor your father and mother.” But Jesus is not calling us to hatred in the emotional sense. Rather, He is emphasizing total commitment to God above everything and everyone else.
To “hate” in this expression means to “love less.”
Christ must come first, before comfort, possessions, relationships, or even our own plans.
The cost of discipleship is high. It requires sacrifice, detachment, and daily carrying of our cross. Just as a builder must count the cost before constructing a tower, we too must realize what following Christ truly entails.
Discipleship is not a casual following, it is a total surrender of life to love.
To love God above all is not to despise others, but to love them rightly in God.
Let us, then, ask for the grace to place Jesus at the center of our lives, to love Him above all else, to follow Him without excuses, and to carry our crosses faithfully, trusting that every burden carried in His name will lead us to eternal joy.
No comments:
Post a Comment