Luke 14:25-33
25 Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, 26 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’
31 Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.
33 So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
Christ and the rich young ruler - Hoffman
Called to begin, build and achieve
A first reading of this Gospel may lead us think that Jesus is describing a building workshop, architecture or financial budgeting. In a second reading, we notice that Jesus is speaking about discipleship and the requirements a disciple should respect in following Him.
Towers were built to observe, defend and protect a town, a field or a property. That is evidence of the existence of something more important than the tower itself. The tower is also evidence that the town, field or property may be at risk and surrounded by challenges.
This how Jesus started to speak about discipleship and it's challenging requirements of love and self dedication to Him. Being a faithful disciple requires perseverance, stability and many sacrifices to build up a true belonging to Christ and to remain His despite all worldly concerns, troubles and temptations.
Jesus is not imposing His person or His teaching on anybody. Rather he invites those who are willing to follow Him, to weigh their will with prudence and wisdom, knowing that the way is not full of pure roses, but their are many thorns on that way!
Are you willing to follow Him? You will not be alone, but He needs you to open your heart and mind. Think seriously about how to remain His friend and disciple, defying all worldly temptations, troubles and crises.
This is Jesus’ budget, to begin, build and achieve a point of observing all around, defending and protecting, starting with yourself.
Now and then, on His way up to Jerusalem, Jesus reminds His disciples of the most important condition to follow Him, to grow in His Love and to fulfill one's own vocation. There is one way, love Jesus and Jesus only over and above everything else!
Take a short time to reflect on how you started your journey of faith, what challenges you have experienced, and how faithful you remain to Jesus’ love today.
As you continue to care for building your tower of faith, may He remain your Alpha and your Omega!