The Cost of Discipleship: Choosing Christ Above All Things
The Cost of Discipleship: Choosing Christ Above All Things Readings: First Reading - Philippians 2:12–18 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 27:1. 4. 13–14 Gospel Acclamation - 1 Peter 4:14 Gospel Reading - Luke 14:25–33 Following Jesus is a beautiful calling, but it is also a commitment that requires faith, sacrifice, obedience, and perseverance. It is not enough to admire Christ from a distance; we must be willing to follow Him wholeheartedly, even when doing so demands difficult choices. In today's first reading, Saint Paul encourages us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, trusting that God is working within us. The psalm reminds us that the Lord is our light and salvation, while the Gospel challenges us to understand the cost of discipleship. Jesus teaches that anyone who wishes to follow Him must be ready to put Him above every other attachment, carry their cross, and surrender whatever prevents them from becoming His true disciple. The central messag...