Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Luke 14: 25-33
Following the Lord is a war against evil

In today’s Gospel, Jesus shares the cost of discipleship: loving Him above all, taking up our cross, and letting go of all other attachments. Many people wanted to follow Jesus, especially after seeing His miracles and authority over the evil powers. But Jesus was clear—His path was one of sacrifice, leading to the Cross. His mission was to forgive sins and bring mercy to the world, and He invites us to join Him in this mission.

Discipleship isn’t a call to glory and success but to share in Jesus’ love, which often involves suffering and sacrifice. Jesus, full of mercy, knew that true mercy and forgiveness would require the Cross. He asks us to walk this path with Him, to be messengers of mercy and forgiveness in the world. Just as He forgave, we too are called to offer forgiveness, for this is the heart of our faith: God’s love transforming us to live for others.

Jesus uses two parables, about building a tower and a king going to war, to emphasize the commitment and sacrifice required to follow Him. He wants us to understand that following Him requires a “profound war” against the evils within ourselves and the world—against hatred, lies, and violence. This battle is not about external conflict but an inner struggle to choose good over evil, to reject self-interest, and to embrace peace and compassion.

We are called to say “no” to evil and “yes” to Christ, carrying our cross with courage so we may serve in love and be instruments of God’s peace and mercy. While initial enthusiasm and impulses can spark a journey, cultivating constancy and perseverance is crucial for successful discipleship. Unless you surrender everything to the Lord, you do not surrender anything!

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