Phil 2:12-18
Lk 14:25-33
To give, without counting the cost. Many of us would view that as the epitome of love. Emptying oneself, without consideration for oneself, would seem to be the ultimate good one can do. The Apostle Paul asks the Philippians to do just that. “Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish.” In the Gospel reading Jesus seems to be saying something quite different. Jesus asks if one would be foolish enough to start a building without first being certain of having the resources to finish the job. A king would never enter into battle without first calculating what the chances he may have of succeeding. Selfless giving? Looks more like calculated giving, giving designed to maximize return. Ah, but to really understand what Jesus is saying we must look at what he says in the beginning, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Jesus does want us to calculate the cost, not the value of what we may receive, but the cost of what we surrender. We are being called to a selfless giving, a total gift to God of the only thing we have of value, ourselves. Jesus says follow me, but look at what that entails. Be prepared to give up everything, everything, to truly follow me. I’m not so sure that too many of us are ready to make those calculations. It’s scary to look at what we may have to give up, but look at what we have to gain. When we take up our cross, when we finally give selflessly then we “may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,among whom you shine like lights in the world,”
Peace,
Deacon John
Wednesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Nov. 8, 2006
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1 comment:
John, your post I believe is written like a true apostle and I’ve tried to analyze myself in what you’ve written and I’ve come to a conclusion at this time but tomorrow might bring another day.
At times, being a crazy old fool and not always for Christ, I try and convince myself that I’m sticking around here because my family needs me. Deep down inside, I know that they don’t love me because they really need me so it must be that they simply need me because they love me. Well that’s the brain wave that at least my wife seems to be sending my way lately and as for my children who are all grown up and leading their own life, they might even agree with me on occasions.
My conclusion for today is that I should just hang on here helping where I can which includes taking care of this kingdom or temple of mine until I truly believe that I really hear Christ saying otherwise to my heart of heart.
I know that there are some out there who would call this just a Cop Out and to get out there but Christ and I know differently and that’s what counts.
It’s been raining here off and on these last few days and this morning as I was going into church I told our priest in French that God is returning our sins back to us and hoped that it won’t last for forty days and forty night. (lol)
If someone did want to destroy this old temple of mine, I certainly could not build it up in three days but with God’s Help, Anything is possible.
I'll close by saying, may God Bless all Soldiers no matter where their souls might be found.
Peace,
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