Homily- 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The True Cost of Following Christ

SEE THE QUESTION FOR THE CHILDREN AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to reflect on the seriousness of being a disciple of Jesus. To follow Him is not just about words, but about making choices that place Him above everything else in life.

In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 9:13–18), we are reminded that human beings struggle to understand the ways of God but we are reminded of the limitations of human understanding. We cannot always see the whole picture, but when we rely on God’s Spirit, He guides us and shows us the right path. This teaches us to walk in humility, trusting that God knows what is best even when life feels confusing. We cannot rely only on our own strength or cleverness; instead, we must trust in God to guide our steps.

In the second reading from the Letter to Philemon (Philemon 9–10, 12–17), Saint Paul appeals to Philemon to welcome Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. The message here is that faith changes relationships: we are called to treat each other with love, dignity, and equality, because in Jesus we all belong to one family. This shows us that following Christ transforms relationships: no one is just a servant, or an outsider, but in Christ, we are brothers and sisters. Our faith must change how we treat one another.

In the Gospel according to Luke (Luke 14:25–33), Jesus speaks very directly. He says that whoever wants to be His disciple must be ready to put Him first, even above family, possessions, or personal comfort. Jesus speaks very strongly about the cost of discipleship. He says we must “hate” even family and our own life if we want to be His disciples. He does not mean we should despise our loved ones, but that nothing—not even the dearest relationships—should come before Him. He calls us to carry our cross and follow Him, to let go of possessions, pride, and self-centeredness. Just as someone planning to build a tower must sit down and calculate the cost, so too must we consider what it really means to say “yes” to Jesus.

Brothers and sisters, the message for us today is simple but challenging: discipleship is costly, but it leads to true freedom. To follow Christ means forgiving when it is difficult, serving others even when we are tired, being faithful in prayer, and sometimes sacrificing our own desires. The world may tell us to seek comfort first, but Jesus shows us the way of the cross, which is the way to eternal joy. It means putting Christ first in our daily choices, forgiving when it is hard, sharing what we have with others, being faithful in prayer, and sometimes suffering for what is right. It is not always easy, but it is the way to true freedom and joy.

Let us ask the Lord for the courage to place Him at the very center of our lives. May He give us the wisdom to follow His ways, the love to see and treat others as our brothers and sisters, and the strength to carry our crosses each day with faith. May our faithful discipleship bring us closer to Christ and lead us to the eternal Kingdom where true joy never ends. Amen. 

20 Questions and Answers: YES or NO for Kids

Can we follow Jesus by trusting Him every day? Yes

Did many people follow Jesus? Yes

Did Jesus want people to follow Him without thinking? No

Did Jesus say we must love Him more than our family? Yes

Did Jesus say we can follow Him and love money more than God? No

Did Jesus say a disciple must carry his cross? Yes

Did Jesus say carrying the cross is easy and fun? No

Did Jesus want people to be serious before following Him? Yes

Did He tell a story about a man building a tower? Yes

Did the man have to count the cost before building? Yes

Did the man finish the tower without planning? No

Did Jesus also tell a story about a king going to war? Yes

Did the king need to think if he had enough soldiers? Yes

Could the king win with fewer soldiers without planning? No

Did Jesus teach that being His disciple is important? Yes

Did Jesus say we can be His disciples without sacrifice? No

Did Jesus want disciples to give up everything for Him? Yes

Is following Jesus sometimes difficult? Yes

Is following Jesus always about having fun only? No

Did Jesus say that true love for Him comes first? Yes