Daily Readings - Wed Nov 06 2024
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
Dear friends in Christ,
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the nature of our commitment to faith and the transformative power of living as disciples of Christ. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul encourages the community to "work out their salvation with fear and trembling," reminding them that while God works within them, they must still act with integrity and without complaint. This passage emphasizes the balance between God’s grace and our responsibility to live out our faith diligently. The Philippians are urged to be "lights in the world," reflecting God’s truth in a society that often opposes it. This call to holiness and witness is both a privilege and a challenge.
In the Gospel, Jesus presents a stark and unsettling message about the cost of discipleship. He declares that to follow him, one must be willing to "hate" family and even life itself. This is not about literal hatred but about prioritizing our relationship with him above all else. Jesus uses parables about building a tower and a king preparing for war to stress the need for discernment and commitment. True discipleship requires sacrifice and a willingness to renounce all that might hinder our devotion to him. These words are not meant to discourage but to clarify the seriousness of following Christ.
Both readings remind us that faith is not a passive endeavor but an active, intentional way of life. Paul’s exhortation to live blamelessly and Jesus’ call to radical discipleship are two sides of the same coin. They challenge us to examine our priorities, to count the cost, and to live in a way that reflects our identity as children of God. In a world often marked by compromise and complacency, these readings invite us to shine as lights, to bear our crosses, and to trust in God’s grace to sustain us. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living as true disciples, or are we holding back? May we embrace the call to holiness and witness, trusting that the Lord will complete the work he has begun in us.