SEPTEMBER 8: 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple" (v 27). (Wisdom 9:13-18b; Psalm 90; Philemon 9-10, 12-17) LUKE 14:25-33 As Jesus drew closer to his destiny in Jerusalem, he asked his followers to consider whether or not they were prepared to continue the journey. Were they ready to renounce everything, even personal relationships that might interfere with their following him? Jesus asked his disciples to think carefully about the demands that were ahead of them before they made this commitment. He used two examples to explain the need to be prepared. Before a builder could begin construction, he must make an assessment of his materials; otherwise, he might not be able to complete the job. A ruler should weigh the strength of his army before going to battle, or else he might be defeated. Only those who were fully prepared would be able to follow Jesus to the cross that awaited him. FrJapz de la Providencia, New Evangelization Pastorale (NEP) Director @Diocese of Virac said... This is the Good News of today’s gospel. Each and every one of us is called to be a disciple of Jesus. ‘Carrying the cross’ as Jesus asks of us is another way of speaking of following him. ‘Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way’ – to be on the way of Jesus, to follow him means that it is a lifelong journey. Discipleship is more than a one-time decision. It is a process. It takes time. Discipleship means more than doing some good things for the Lord –means giving the whole of ourselves to him as he did to us. To be a Christian means we have a goal, we are going some place, we are following Someone. Jesus does not ask the impossible of us. He knows that it takes time to follow closely... Pray for those in ministry who make great sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. Lord Jesus, help me to examine my spiritual strengths and weaknesses so that I can follow you faithfully. Amen…
Posted on: Sun, 08 Sep 2013 02:29:14 +0000
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