5 November 2025
Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Or Optional Memorial of Zechariah and Elizabeth – Parents of John the Baptist
Luke 14: 25-33
The cost of discipleship

Today, we celebrate Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist. Their lives remind us of patience, trust, and fidelity to God’s plan, even when it seemed impossible. Though they waited long in barrenness, they never stopped serving the Lord. In their old age, God blessed them with John, the great forerunner of Christ.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to the crowds about the cost of discipleship. They followed him, thinking he was on the way to earthly power, but Jesus made it clear: to be his disciple is to walk the road to the cross. His words are stark—placing loyalty to him even above family ties and possessions. This is not a call to despise, but to love rightly: to put Christ first, so that every other love finds its proper place in him.

Zechariah and Elizabeth lived this truth. They surrendered their lives to God’s will, even when it asked for costly faith. Zechariah lost his voice until he could speak in trust again. Elizabeth bore the weight of long years of disappointment, yet she rejoiced when the Lord fulfilled his promise. Both learned that following God demands sacrifice, patience, and the willingness to let go of self for something greater.

Jesus tells us also to “count the cost.” Discipleship is not a passing enthusiasm; it requires endurance. Like building a tower or preparing for battle, it demands commitment. Yet the good news is this: Christ never asks us to carry the cross alone. The One who calls us also walks beside us, giving strength and joy along the way.

May Zechariah and Elizabeth intercede for us, that we too may remain steadfast in faith, counting the cost but never losing sight of the reward—the eternal banquet of God’s kingdom.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025