By Laurie Schmitt

“So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.” ~ Luke 14:33

In today’s gospel, Jesus turns to the crowd of people traveling with him and addresses them with a shocking statement: Surrender all of your relationships – with parents, family, and friends – and make me your number one.

Jesus continues with a story about a person who wants to build a tower, subtly suggesting that the individual desires to reach heaven. After this person has finished laying the foundation of faith, Jesus asks, will he have the perseverance and dedication to risk it all in order to reach the pinnacle and enter the Kingdom of God? Jesus continues: When a king is facing a formidable foe, wouldn’t he be better off to first take stock of his resources and try to reason for peace instead? Can he accept the terms laid out by his challenger, the stronger King?

Jesus knows that many of his followers are simply caught up in the crowd. They lack commitment and are unaware of what it takes to build a life of strong, vibrant faith. What about when it comes to “fighting the good fight” day in and day out? Will his followers have the cunning and stamina to defeat the enemy? Are they able to surrender all to God and to his Kingdom? Will their love of mundane stuff hold them back from giving their all?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, let me let go of everything that is slowing me down. Let me surrender all that is keeping me from keeping pace with you.

Call to Action:

Make time for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, for Mass and the sacraments. The more we fill up with the love of Christ, the easier it is to empty out all that clutters our path. Some things, some people, slow us down. We are called to walk with Christ, and he is on the move.

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