WEDNESDAY OF THE 31ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Celebration: Ferial
Table of the Word
First Reading: Romans 13:8–10
Gospel: Luke 14:25–33
Theme: The Cost of Discipleship: Love That Renounces All.
Reflection
In today’s Gospel taken from Luke 14:25–33, Jesus speaks with striking directness about the demands of discipleship. “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” These words are not a call to literal hatred, but to radical detachment. Christ asks for total allegiance, that nothing, not even the dearest human bond, should take precedence over God.
He goes on to say: “Whoever does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” To follow Christ means embracing the cross, not as a symbol of despair, but as the path to life. Discipleship costs everything, yet yields everything. Jesus urges us to count the cost, like a builder estimating his materials or a king considering battle. Half-hearted commitment cannot build the Kingdom.
In the first reading, St. Paul in his exhortation to the Church in Rome (cf. Romans 13:8–10), reveals what this total commitment looks like in daily life: “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
For Paul, love is not mere sentiment; it is the dynamic energy of Christian life. Love fulfills every commandment because it reflects the very nature of God, who is Love (cf. 1 John 4:8).
However, the Church’s teaching consistently reminds us that Christian discipleship is not a matter of convenience but of conviction. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 1822–1825) describes charity as “the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.” This double love demands sacrifice, detachment, and perseverance.
Finally, Christ’s invitation is not merely to admire Him, but to imitate Him, to love until it costs, to serve until it transforms, to surrender until it sanctifies. The disciple’s journey is marked by love that gives, suffers, and perseveres.
Beloved in Christ Jesus, today, the Lord whispers gently: “Follow Me without reserve. Let love be your only debt. Carry your cross not as a punishment, but as a pledge of your love for Me.”
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 05112025
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