“Everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions
cannot be my disciple.”

luke 14:33

Luke 14:25-33

Reflection

Jesus tells his followers that they must renounce all their possessions if they want to be his disciple. This includes family members. Jesus also provides parables about not being prepared in building a tower and fighting a battle, therefore having to give up in those endeavors.

When we are too attached to things or do not adequately prepare, it becomes easy to let go and give up what we were pursuing. If we want to truly follow Jesus and be his disciples, we must give up many things and make Jesus the priority – even when that means putting family second in particular circumstances.

Jesus gave his life for us – we should be willing to do the same. For some, this might mean choosing a different career path, giving up addictive hobbies and habits, or openly living out your faith among hostile people. Jesus calls each of us individually to take up our cross and follow him. If this means renouncing things that are extremely difficult for you, it is only to make you holier.

What is holding you back from being a true disciple of Christ? Ask Jesus to reveal to you what you must give up for his sake. While not an easy task, it is one that will lead you further along the path to heaven.

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Saint of the Day

St. Joseph Khang: 1832 – 1861

St. Joseph Khang was a faithful Vietnamese Catholic who desired to become a priest, but because of persecution, could not. He is famous for attempting to help his bishop, St. Jerome Hermosilla, escape from prison, but instead was captured, tortured, and martyred for the faith.

St. Joseph Khang, pray for us!