Daily Readings - Wed Nov 07 2018
Philippians
12And so, my most beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but even more so now in my absence: work toward your salvation with fear and trembling13For it is God who works in you, both so as to choose, and so as to act, in accord with his good will14And do everything without murmuring or hesitation15So may you be without blame, simple sons of God, without reproof, in the midst of a depraved and perverse nation, among whom you shine like lights in the world16holding to the Word of Life, until my glory in the day of Christ. For I have not run in vain, nor have I labored in vain17Moreover, if I am to be immolated because of the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and give thanks with all of you18And over this same thing, you also should rejoice and give thanks, together with me
Luke
25Now great crowds traveled with him. And turning around, he said to them26"If anyone comes to me, and does not hate his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, and yes, even his own life, he is not able to be my disciple27And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me, is not able to be my disciple28For who among you, wanting to build a tower, would not first sit down and determine the costs that are required, to see if he has the means to complete it29Otherwise, after he will have laid the foundation and not been able to finish it, everyone who sees it may begin to mock him30saying: ‘This man began to build what he was not able to finish.31Or, what king, advancing to engage in war against another king, would not first sit down and consider whether he may be able, with ten thousand, to meet one who comes against him with twenty thousand32If not, then while the other is still far away, sending a delegation, he would ask him for terms of peace33Therefore, everyone of you who does not renounce all that he possesses is not able to be my disciple
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are called to reflect on the nature of discipleship and the commitment it demands. The first reading from Philippians reminds us that our salvation is not a passive endeavor but an active cooperation with God’s grace. St. Paul urges us to work out our salvation “with fear and trembling,” not out of servile fear, but out of reverence for the divine plan unfolding in our lives. He emphasizes that it is God who works in us, both to will and to act according to his good purpose. This passage invites us to embrace humility and obedience, recognizing that our efforts, though necessary, are only fruitful because of God’s grace at work within us.
The Gospel from Luke presents a stark and challenging teaching about the cost of following Christ. Jesus says that to be his disciple, one must be willing to “hate” even family and life itself. This does not mean literal hatred, but rather a willingness to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. Jesus uses two parables—the builder and the king—to illustrate the need for discernment and commitment. Just as a builder must calculate the cost of constructing a tower and a king must assess his ability to go to war, so too must we consider the demands of discipleship. True discipleship requires surrender, sacrifice, and a willingness to carry the cross daily.
Together, these readings remind us that living as a Christian is not a superficial endeavor but a radical way of life. In Philippians, we see the transformative power of grace at work in us, enabling us to live as “lights in the world.” In Luke, we are reminded that this transformation comes at a cost. To follow Christ, we must be willing to let go of our attachments, our comfort, and even our own will. Yet, this surrender is not an end in itself but a means to true freedom and joy. As we strive to live out our faith, let us ask for the grace to embrace the challenges of discipleship with courage and trust in God’s providence.