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Gospel Reading for November 04, 2026 – Luke 14: 25-33
PREREQUISITE
Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”
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When we decide to follow Jesus, we have to understand what it entails and whether we are truly willing to follow him. This is because following Jesus may require us to detach ourselves from relationships and things we hold dear, especially when those we love, even members of our own family, do not agree with his teachings.
The teachings of Jesus are very clear in their demands, leaving no room for compromising our commitment to God. What Jesus made very clear is the PREREQUISITE of discipleship: taking up our cross. Taking up our cross may seem to be a tall order, but when we look deeply into life, we will realize that suffering and difficulties are part of our earthly journey. Accepting our cross means facing them with faith and perseverance rather than allowing them to turn us away from Jesus and the chance of attaining eternity in peace, forever free from suffering.
Much of the suffering in the world is caused by sin. The refusal of some people to follow the Laws of God can seriously affect innocent others, just as conflicts and wars cause suffering and collateral damage to people who have nothing to do with them.
Taking up our cross and following Jesus also means helping ease the burdens of those who suffer, through the kindness and compassion we extend to them. It means not only accepting the sacrifices that come with following Jesus but also being willing to help others carry their crosses.
Lord Jesus, help us take up our cross and follow you through eternity!
