Scripture Reflection - September 7, 2025

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18b

Second Reading: Philemon 9-10, 12-17

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

“Anyone of you who does not renounce all possessions cannot be my disciple.”

At first glance, we may wonder what Jesus means by these “hard sayings”, this difficult list of action steps for us to follow. It is well for us to remember that the Greek word translated as “hate” means a “lesser love” or a detachment that allows us to turn away from that which takes us from God. “Hate” in today’s gospel passage does not have the negative connotation it does in today’s vocabulary.

However, Jesus is stopping us in our tracks with the reminder that discipleship is not a part-time choice, nor something added neatly alongside our other commitments. It asks for everything: our priorities, our attachments, even our very lives. These difficult steps are offering us the choice to travel with Jesus on the road to true commitment. 

Discipleship is not easy; it’s seeing all of life through the lens of service to God.

With this lens, God comes first. In addition, a true disciple will have to carry the cross, renounce possessions, and be totally transformed. We are called to reflect on and examine our priorities. We are invited today to get our priorities straight.  We are invited to not just talk about, but to live what we profess.

Pope Leo XIV reminds us: "Which one are you—a fair-weather fan or a casual believer?... Discipleship isn’t a part-time job; it requires total surrender."

Being a disciple is a daily decision to say “Yes” to God. We are called to reflect and ask ourselves: Where are our commitments? Where is our time being spent?

Jesus knows well the things that hold us back from full commitment. We often want faith without sacrifice. We want comfort without the cost. Jesus tells us discipleship isn’t something we fit in when convenient. It requires our whole heart, our whole life.

Yes, the path may be difficult, but discipleship is also the path to freedom. When we release our tight grip on possessions, status, or self, we discover our hands are open to receive God’s grace. We lose what weighs us down and gain the joy of walking closely with Christ.

As we begin this week, the question before us is: What am I willing to let go of, so that I may follow Jesus more fully?

Sr. Mary Ann Collins, OP