Considering the Cost of Following Christ

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Our theme for this week is: Considering the Cost of Following Christ.

The reading from Deuteronomy calls us to consider the weight of our choices in following God. Just as Moses set before Israel the choice between life and death, blessing and curse, we too are invited to reflect on what it means to truly follow Christ. Choosing life means loving God wholeheartedly, obeying His voice, and remaining faithful, even when the path is costly.

In the letter to Philemon, Paul urges Philemon to consider the cost of what it means to be a true brother in the Lord. In doing so he should extend a loving hand to Onesimus his runaway slave, by welcoming him back not just as a slave but as a brother in the Lord. Philemon is being encouraged by Paul to show that as a fellow believer he is able to put in action what it means to be a disciple who has considered the full cost of discipleship.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells the crowds to count the cost of what it means to become a disciple. For no one begins to build a tower unless he/she knows the full cost to complete it. Jesus also says the same is true for a king going to war, he will assess his manpower and if he believes he is lacking, will call for peace. In the end, Jesus says they must give up their earthly possessions to become a true disciple. As we walk in discipleship, may we be mindful of the cost, but even more so of the eternal life and blessing found in choosing Jesus daily.