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Message from the desk of the Pastor:

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Gospel Reading 

Luke 14:25-33

Jesus teaches about the demands of discipleship.

Background on the Gospel Reading

In Chapter 14 of Luke's Gospel, Jesus is speaking to people gathered at the table about the difficulties of following him. This group of people is suspicious about Jesus, looking to catch him doing something wrong. Jesus speaks to them in parables, emphasizing that although there is a right way to be a disciple and enter into the kingdom of his Father, it is a difficult path to follow. Many, even some of      the guests at the table, reject the invitation. So Jesus turns to the crowds and    speaks to them of discipleship. Jesus explains that, when it comes to making a choice for the Kingdom of God, nothing can get in the way. When Jesus describes “hating” one's father and mother, he is not talking about feelings. Rather, he is emphasizing very strongly that choosing to be a disciple means that everything      else—family, money, your own life—must come second. In Matthew's version of      this story (Matthew 10:37), Jesus refers not to “hating” father or mother, but to    loving them more than Jesus. Jesus makes it very clear that being a disciple is        not easy. It means to bear one's own cross. These difficult sayings of Jesus are followed by two brief parables (a person constructing a tower and a king marching into battle) that make an obvious point—don't start what you cannot finish. Discipleship is difficult and is something we can commit to only if we are prepared    to put the Kingdom of God before everything else.

Family Connection

Provide your children with a list of things that they are responsible for interspersed with things that they like to do—for example, make their beds, take out the garbage, go to the park, do homework, watch television, have a snack, feed the cat. The list should reflect their responsibilities and favorite recreations. Tell them to pretend    that company is coming and ask which of the things listed should be done first. Explain that this is called setting priorities.

Paraphrase the Gospel story for the children. Ask them what Jesus says is the      most important thing for them to do. Jesus tells us that the number-one priority        is to follow him. But just as it is not always easy to do the things we are supposed    to do before doing the fun things, it is not always easy to be a follower of Jesus.      Yet when we put Jesus first, we will be truly happy.