REFLECTION FOR THE 23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
THEME: THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS
BY: SR. J. K. OSIYEMI EHJ
REFLECTION FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4 2022
Lk 4: 25-33.
Jesus did not sugar coat anything for me. He spoke plainly and bluntly about the condition and requirement of following him, and about his expectation from me. It is not a trouble-free life. To be a true and faithful follower of Jesus is quite demanding. I must be ready and willing to let go of attachment to family, worldly belongings and my self-interest. This is quite tough, but with the help of God I am resolved to keep moving on the road of salvation till I reach the promise land. There must be no turning back on this journey of salvation. I must not abandon the Christian life and the practice of virtues after a little while because I did not count the cost of commitment to Jesus. Do I tell people the reality and truth of being a Christian, or do I tell them the sweet things they want to hear? Do I serve God wholeheartedly or with double mind?
LET US PRAY
Lord Jesus, I love you. I really desire to follow you, but I keep falling and faltering on my faith journey. I humbly pray you to give me the graces I need in order to persevere to the end even if it will cost me loss of social status and giving up control of time and money. Give me the strength to carry the cross of my state of life. Help me to overcome all obstacles and distractions that are lurking behind the door of my heart. May I follow you lovingly and obediently. Amen.