Today's Gospel reading spells out clearly the three basic conditions of discipleship.

Firstly (v. 26) the disciple is to make discipleship his/her number one concern in life. He/she must put relationship with family, relatives and one's own life as secondary. The word 'hate' means that all these relationships are secondary to following Jesus. This demands absolute commitment to the mission of Christ even to risking one's life.

Secondly (v 27), the disciple is to 'bear one's own cross'. The 'cross' is a symbol of self-sacrifice, humiliation and to accept the same fate of Jesus.

The third condition calls for radical renunciation of one's possessions (v.33). The two Parables (v.29-32) are a warning for those who have the desire to follow Christ that they should make mature and advanced self-assessment like the wise king but not the unwise builder. So to follow Christ is a choice to be made with mature deliberation. Such a decision will certainly affect our entire lives. Do we take serious consideration to the demands of discipleship?

Paul's letter to the Philippians as in the first reading reiterates that true discipleship will lead us to a path that entails joyful service in response to God who calls us unto Himself. Hence our actions be one borne out of genuine and honest relationship with God.