Gospel 

Luke 14:25-33

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “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. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's passage reveals Jesus' teachings on the commitment required to follow Him. Let's explore the cost of discipleship.

Key Principles

1. Prioritizing Jesus: Hate family and life compared to love for Jesus (v. 26).

2. Carrying the Cross: Follow Jesus, bearing sacrifices (v. 27).

3. Counting the Cost: Evaluate commitment before following (vv. 28-32).

4. Renouncing Possessions: Let go of earthly attachments (v. 33).

Implications for Us

1. Assess Your Commitment: Evaluate your devotion to Jesus.

2. Prioritize Spiritual Life: Seek first the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

3. Embrace Sacrifices: Follow Jesus, even in hardship.

4. Detachment from Worldly Possessions: Trust in God's provision.

Conclusion

Jesus calls us to count the cost and commit fully to discipleship.

Reflection Questions

1. What sacrifices have you made for Jesus?

2. How do you prioritize your spiritual life?

3. What possessions hold you back?

Action Steps

1. Study biblical teachings on commitment (Matthew 16:24-26).

2. Engage in self-reflection and prayer.

3. Serve others, demonstrating devotion.

Additional Resources

1. Explore Jesus' teachings on discipleship (Matthew 10:37-39).

2. Reflect on biblical examples of commitment (Hebrews 11).

Key Verses

1. "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)

2. "Everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33)

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, grant us courage to commit fully to discipleship.

Help us prioritize You above all else.

May we:

• Assess our devotion to Jesus
• Seek first Your Kingdom
• Embrace sacrifices for Your glory
• Detach from worldly possessions

Fill us with:

Wisdom to count the cost

Strength to carry our cross

Faith to trust Your provision

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ