“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me
cannot be my disciple.”

luke 14:27

Luke 14:25-33

Reflection

Jesus tells the crowds that anyone who does not hate their family or own life, or carry their own cross cannot be his disciple. He gives examples of a person not calculating the cost to build a tower, and only building the foundation. In the same way, those who do not renounce their possessions cannot be Jesus’ disciples.

This popular passage reminds us that we must place Jesus above all else in our lives. He should be our priority, not other things. While our family is important, along with financial stability, etc., they should not rise before our Lord. When we set Christ at the center of our lives, then everything else will follow.

If we dedicate ourselves to something other than God, it makes sense that we cannot be true disciples of Jesus. This is why he tells us we must renounce our possessions and ‘hate’ our lives. Today, reflect on how you can better follow Christ – what is he asking you to give up in order to be a better disciple?

---

Saint of the Day

St. Peter Chrysologus: ca. 406 – 450

“In choosing to be born for us, God chose to be known by us. He therefore reveals himself in this way, in order that this great sacrament of his love may not be an occasion for us of great misunderstanding.” St. Peter Chrysologus