First Reading - Wisdom 9:13-18
Second Reading - Philemon 9-10,12-17
Gospel - Luke 14:25-33
The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us of our human limitations. Left to ourselves, our reasoning is weak, and our plans are fragile. We struggle even to understand the things of this world, so how much more the things of God? Yet God, in His mercy, gives us His Spirit to guide us, so that we may walk in His ways and not be lost.
In the second reading, Paul gives us a concrete example of this Spirit at work. He writes to Philemon, urging him to receive back Onesimus, a runaway slave, not as property but as a brother in Christ. This was a radical demand that required humility, forgiveness, and a new way of seeing another person. Following Christ always transforms relationships, calling us to love where the world expects division.
Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus speaks with striking clarity: following Him requires total commitment. He does not soften His words — a disciple must be ready to put Christ before family, possessions, comfort, even life itself. He uses the examples of a builder and a king, both of whom must count the cost before acting. Discipleship cannot be half-hearted; it is an all-or-nothing response.
Dear friends, to follow Christ means surrendering our own plans, our attachments, even our way of seeing others, and allowing the Spirit of God to reshape us. It is costly, but it is also freeing. For when we give Christ everything, we receive in return what the world cannot give — peace, joy, and the promise of eternal life.
So let us ask ourselves: Have I truly counted the cost of following Jesus? Am I willing to let go of what holds me back, whether pride, possessions, or fear, in order to walk faithfully with Him?
May the Spirit of God guide us, may Christ be our treasure above all else, and may our lives reflect the joy and freedom of those who have chosen Him without reserve.
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