Proper 18, Year C
Sunday, September 8th
Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions." Luke 14:25-33
Letting go and giving up are very hard for us humans. Whether it is possessions or control, we like to hang on tight and believe we are in control. Folks often believe if they amass a fortune they will be happy, or if they amass great power, all will be well. We all know that neither possessions or power, nor anything else can make us happy and safe. Being loved makes us those things, and more. And the more we are loved, the more we want to give away, to share and to let go so that others may thrive.
Jesus tells his disciples that they need to let go. I'm sure many went quietly away, broken hearted. They had family and security, social and financial, that was keeping them. Literally, binding them, not letting in the love offered. And we, like them, often, insulate ourselves against the world with power, possessions and property. Nothing or no one can get in. We are invited by God to let go and experience the freedom and love which is at our door.
Today, I ask God to help me let go of whatever binds me and stands in the way of love. May we free ourselves so that we may follow Jesus, who came to bring love and new life to the world.
Letting go and giving up are very hard for us humans. Whether it is possessions or control, we like to hang on tight and believe we are in control. Folks often believe if they amass a fortune they will be happy, or if they amass great power, all will be well. We all know that neither possessions or power, nor anything else can make us happy and safe. Being loved makes us those things, and more. And the more we are loved, the more we want to give away, to share and to let go so that others may thrive.
Jesus tells his disciples that they need to let go. I'm sure many went quietly away, broken hearted. They had family and security, social and financial, that was keeping them. Literally, binding them, not letting in the love offered. And we, like them, often, insulate ourselves against the world with power, possessions and property. Nothing or no one can get in. We are invited by God to let go and experience the freedom and love which is at our door.
Today, I ask God to help me let go of whatever binds me and stands in the way of love. May we free ourselves so that we may follow Jesus, who came to bring love and new life to the world.
Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
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