11/5/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 14:25-33

25 Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them,
26 “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.
27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
28 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?
29 Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him
30 and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’
31 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?
32 But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

11/5/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 14:25-33

In the Gospel reading above, Jesus speaks about the cost of being His disciple. His words are direct and challenging. He wants followers who are willing to give their whole hearts, not just their words or occasional acts of devotion. To be a true disciple is not merely to admire Jesus but to follow Him even when the road becomes rough, uncertain, and demanding.

In today’s world, many people call themselves Christians but struggle to live as disciples. Being a disciple means more than attending church on Sundays or posting Bible verses on social media. It is about living out the message of Jesus daily—in our relationships, our work, our decisions, and even in our sacrifices. It means putting Christ at the center of everything we do, no matter what it costs us.

Jesus tells His followers to “count the cost” before deciding to follow Him, like a builder who estimates the materials needed before constructing a tower, or a king who measures his army before going into battle. This is not to discourage us but to make us aware that discipleship is a lifelong commitment. It is not for the faint-hearted or for those who only follow when it is convenient. To follow Christ means surrendering our will, pride, and attachments to things that pull us away from Him.

Consider how this looks in real life. A young professional may choose honesty over profit, even when it means losing a promotion. A student may refuse to cheat, even if it costs them a higher grade. A parent may forgive and show patience, even when hurt deeply by a family member. These choices are not easy, but they reflect the heart of a disciple—someone who values Christ above comfort, recognition, or personal gain.

True discipleship also means bearing our own cross. In ancient times, carrying a cross meant walking toward death. For us today, it symbolizes dying to our selfish desires, letting go of grudges, and saying no to sin. It may mean enduring misunderstandings, criticism, or even rejection because of our faith. Yet in all these, we find the strength and joy that come from walking closely with Jesus, knowing that He walks with us in every trial.

Another mark of a true disciple is love—deep, sacrificial love. Jesus never asked His followers to live for themselves but to love others as He loved them. This means caring for the poor, comforting the lonely, and forgiving those who have wronged us. In a world filled with hate and division, being a disciple means being a living sign of God’s love, compassion, and mercy.

It also means trusting God completely. When we surrender our plans and follow His will, we might face uncertainties, but we also experience peace that the world cannot give. Like Peter who stepped out of the boat to walk toward Jesus, we are called to trust even when the waves are high.

To be a disciple of Jesus is not about perfection but perseverance. It is about striving daily to love, to serve, and to obey, even when we stumble. Every time we choose humility over pride, forgiveness over bitterness, and faith over fear, we take another step closer to the heart of Christ.

In the end, discipleship is a journey of transformation. It changes us from being self-centered to being Christ-centered. It molds our hearts to reflect His. The cost may be great, but the reward is far greater which is eternal joy, peace beyond measure, and the assurance that we walk not alone but with the One who gave everything for us.

To be a true disciple of Jesus, then, is to live with courage, love, and faith, trusting that every sacrifice, every act of obedience, and every moment of surrender draws us closer to the fullness of life He promised.

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