Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Readings: Philippians 2:12-18; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Luke 14:25-33
Summary
Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? (Lk 14:28).
Otherwise…
Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? (Lk 14:31).
Otherwise…
In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple (Lk 14:33).
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work. Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world (Phil 2:12b-15).
Reflection
It can be argued that we live constantly in the place of decision-making. Every day, every moment.
Paul’s advice is to treat these moments with the gravity they deserve.
In the same way, Jesus is asking if we have divided loyalty?
Not that we don’t have ordinary and profane concerns. This is real life, after all.
Instead, Jesus is asking, do we understand the gift given (eternal life) and the corresponding efforts to work out our salvation.
Do I understand the gift given (As Jesus reminds us elsewhere, If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him? (Lk 11:13))?
Do I understand the impact of the potential loss of the gift by making bad decisions?
In the interest of interdenominational harmony, whether the loss is temporal or eternal, or both, the question remains strong and urgent.
Otherwise…
Personal Reflection
In your moments of decisions, decisions that have serious moral dimensions, do you weigh the ‘otherwise’ before acting?
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110426.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry