Daily Gospel Reflection for September 4, 2016 - Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel: Luke 14, 25-33 - Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

How harsh to be told to hate our parents, spouse, or child. Who would ask someone to do this? This goes against everything we are taught. We are told to take care of our loved ones at all costs.

Well, discipleship might call us to forget what we were taught. Being a disciple of Christ could separate us from our family, our jobs, and the life we are use to. Are you ready to do this? I often ask parents who want to have their child baptized, “Do you truly know what is being asked of you?” Jesus says, anyone “who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Are you really ready to give up everything for Christ? This is not to be taken lightly.

At this moment in my life, I am on a spiritual journey of decreasing my superficial self and trying to increase the Spirit of Christ in me. It is a struggle each minute of the day. I constantly battle with my own selfish wants and desires and my desire to grow closer to Christ. Each day I wonder which “me” will come out on top. Following Christ means total submission to him. We are not a culture who enjoys denying ourselves. No one wants to suffer. Our journey with Christ will lead us to the cross. The cross points to the fullness of life.

Ponder:

God gave us his Son to save us from our sins. He gave up everything for us. Are you ready to carry that cross? Are you willing to give up everything for God? Will you try and hold back anything or will you say “Father what would you have me do?”

Pray:

Father, as we enter each day, I ask you to strengthen our hearts and give us the courage to pick up our cross and follow you.

Copyright 2016 Tanya LeSane

I am a wife and mother of two young adults. I am a Director of Religious Education (DRE) at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, a small, tight community in inner-city Richmond, Virginia. I have been blessed to be a DRE for over 20 years.