Theme of the Day: Count the Cost
This week Jesus’ sharp words expose our desire to pursue comfort and avoid pain at all costs. Jesus explains that following him will be hard. Jesus’ disciples will be called to let go of things they love and embrace things we naturally loathe. Jesus promises that discipleship comes with crosses—a unique type of pain. So, Jesus tells us that we must count the cost of following him. He wants us to do that now, ahead of time, rather than waiting until we are in the heat of the moment and emotions are running high. However, our calculations must not only consider what we might give up for Jesus. They also entail calculating what we get through him! When we perceive the infinite blessings we find in Christ, the decisions we just make, while difficult, will be clear. Whatever is lost as we follow Jesus pales in comparison to what we gain.
Luke 14:25-35
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Philemon 1,7-21
Psalm 1A
831 – Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me
694 – Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
711 – Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult
702 – Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
817 – Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart
Prayer of the Day: O merciful Lord, you did not spare your only Son but delivered him up for us all. Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.