Daily Gospel Reflection for November 4, 2015

Today's Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop

It is interesting that there is a large crowd following Jesus when he tells his disciples that it will cost them everything to follow Him. Most of this large crowd is probably seeking miracles, cures, and even food without considering the cost of true discipleship. Jesus needs to make sure His disciples understand the truth. We too must give our lives over to Him completely to receive the peace and joy of life in Christ. New life cannot be poured into a person who is not open and hungry because there is no room for the Holy Spirit if we are satisfied and content. We must become empty to receive life in Christ.

Why does Jesus say we must "hate" our families and even ourselves? Jesus used strong language to make it clear that nothing should take precedence in our lives over God. We must "count the cost" and be ready to follow Jesus in the way of the cross if we want to share in his glory and victory. The way of the cross involves letting go of control and allowing Jesus to truly save us from our own ego and self-sufficiency. We must stop trying to save ourselves and allow Jesus to be the sole Redeemer in our lives.

What makes such a sacrifice possible is the love of God poured out for us in the blood of Jesus Christ. We can never out-give God. He always gives us more than we can expect or imagine. The love of God compels us to choose who or what will be first in our lives. Jesus challenges his disciples and us to examine who we love first.

Ponder:

Have I given my life over to God completely?

Pray:

Lord, may your love consume me and transform my life so I may crave nothing more than life with you. Help me to count the cost and joyfully let go of all that is not of You.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Melanie Jean Juneau