LUKE 14:25–33 WHAT AM I WILLING TO LET GO?

Wednesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Jesus speaks very strongly in today's Gospel. He tells the crowds that anyone who wishes to follow Him must be willing to give up everything. At first, these words can sound frightening. Does Jesus want us to stop loving our families or abandon our responsibilities? No. He is asking us to love Him above everything else, so that even our closest relationships and most important possessions find their proper place in our lives. We have to ask ourselves whether we always put Jesus first, or whether we sometimes allow my comfort, plans, or preferences to lead me instead.

Following Jesus costs us something. It may mean letting go of resentment when we would rather remain angry, giving up our pride to apologize, or choosing honesty when dishonesty would be easier. Sometimes it means saying no to something we want because we know it is not right. I find these choices challenging, too. It is easy to say that Jesus is the center of my life; the real test is whether my everyday decisions show it.

Perhaps we can each identify one thing that makes it harder to follow Jesus faithfully. It might be an old grudge, an unhealthy habit, a desire to always be right, or the fear of what others will think. We do not have to change everything in a single day, but we must be willing to begin. Following Jesus does not mean holding on to everything we want; it means trusting Him enough to let go of whatever keeps us from loving as He does.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler