7 Nov
Wed
31st Week in Ordinary Time
Rom. 13:8-10
Ps. 111:1-2,4-5,9
Lk. 14:25-33
(Ps Wk III)
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Today's Gospel reading spells out clearly the three conditions for discipleship.

The first (v26) is to make discipleship the key concern in life. Relationship with family, relatives and even concern for one's own life are to be considered as secondary. The word 'hate' here is used in a Semitic way for expressing preferences. It means to make family relationship secondary to following Jesus. This is an absolute commitment to the kingdom - even to risk one's life in martyrdom for there is no compromise.

The second (v27) is to bear one's own cross and come after Jesus. The 'cross' is a symbol of the extreme humiliating self-sacrifice that is expected of Jesus' followers and to accept the same fate as Jesus.

The third (v 33) is the radical renunciation of all one's possessions. A disciple of Christ should assess all his resources before following Jesus. However, the material resources are in no way the real resources for discipleship, thus to be renounced.

As such, to follow Jesus entails painful decisions. All obstacles to discipleship ought to be removed. To follow Jesus is a choice and it has to be made with mature deliberation and should affect our entire lives. Above all, discipleship involves a perfect act of love for Christ and others. This is so truly affirmed in the first reading that in all things, love must be the only condition.



Lord, help us to love like You and to do all things out of pure love of You.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That those dedicated to medical research and all those engaged in legislative activity may always have a deep respect for human life, from its beginning to its natural conclusion.
Elaboration

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