Sunday, September 7th, 2025 - Proper 18

Sunday, September 7th, 2025
Proper 18

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

We live in a time when folks with lots of money seem to be the heroes, while calling themselves Christians. It is hard to imagine that Jesus would identify the wealthy, cruel leadership of today as his followers. He has always been clear about money and the abuse of power. We live in a country of abundance, and yet too many people are living without basic necessities, and some are afraid to be arrested and sent away. I imagine this passage makes many people uncomfortable. I expect that those gathered around Jesus wanted an easy, abundant life, without self-sacrifice or worry. Following Jesus is costly, and we are often called on at our most vulnerable moments to give our all, again some more. And yet, we also know that we will be given the strength, the support and love to answer the call.

Loving Creator, you shower us with abundance

fields ripe with grain, vegetables and fruits

and warmth and rain enough to support us all.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

Yet we would hoard the fruit you give us

ungrateful and selfish, we protect ourselves

and refuse to see the need before us on our streets.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

Help us to look up and see the cross before us

let us lift the burdens of others as we share.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

The world is spinning with fear and anger

too few have too much and get richer.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

You call us Lord, to share the wealth given

so the vulnerable might be filled with hope.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

For you are the God of abundance and life

and you promise we will have enough for our journey. 

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all. Amen.