2025/09/07 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Lori Howard, Coordinator of Sacramental Prep

In the Gospel this week, Jesus speaks to the crowd and tells them plainly: if they want to follow Him, they must be willing to carry their cross, love Him more than family, and give up everything. He uses two examples—a builder and a king—to explain the importance of counting the cost of discipleship.

This passage is intense! Jesus isn’t sugarcoating anything here! He’s basically saying, “If you’re in, be all in.” No halfway disciples. No following Jesus only when it’s convenient or comfortable. He’s asking for full commitment. At first glance, it feels kind of harsh—hate your family? Give up everything? But Jesus isn’t calling us to literally hate our loved ones. He’s using strong language to make a point: our love for Him should be so big, so central, that everything else comes second. Even our most important relationships. He wants us to count the cost—to really think about what following Him means before we commit. Because it’s going to cost us something. Comfort. Time. Pride. Sometimes even relationships or opportunities.

How do I live this out day by day?

1. Start the day with a “yes” to Jesus. Before the chaos of the day begins, take a moment to say, “Jesus, I choose You today—even when it’s inconvenient.” This simple practice can help realign your priorities each morning.

2. Let go of one thing that’s holding you back. Maybe it’s the approval of others. Maybe it’s a habit that’s draining your soul. Ask yourself: “What’s one thing I can surrender today to follow Jesus more closely?”

3. Practice sacrificial love. Look for small, meaningful ways to put others first. That might mean listening when you’d rather be scrolling, helping when you're tired, or forgiving even when it’s hard.

4. Reassess Your Priorities Jesus isn’t looking for a part-time relationship. He’s not just asking for Sunday mornings or the moments when life is quiet and manageable. He’s inviting us into a way of life—one where He is at the center, not just on the sidelines. Take a moment to honestly evaluate where your time, energy, and resources are going.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s direction. Little by little, we align our lives around Jesus, not just out of duty, but because that’s where real peace, purpose, and joy are found.