In Luke’s Gospel this week, Jesus speaks with striking honesty about the cost of discipleship. He does not offer a sugar-coated message but rather a challenge: to follow Him means placing Him above all else — even family, possessions, and one’s own life. These words are radical, and they remind us that being a disciple of Christ involves a deep and often costly commitment. It is not a casual association, but a complete reorientation of one’s priorities.
Jesus uses two short parables — a builder constructing a tower and a king going to war — to illustrate the importance of counting the cost before embarking on a journey of faith. In doing so, He invites us not only to feel inspired by His message, but to make a reasoned, mature decision. Discipleship is not for the impulsive or the half-hearted, but for those willing to follow through, knowing the sacrifice it entails.
Yet, in the face of such a high standard, we might feel unworthy or overwhelmed. It is here that Luke’s pastoral wisdom shines through. Luke may be offering us the wise advice that it is better to succeed as a less than perfect Christian than to fail as a super Christian. Even discipleship requires a decision based on prudent evaluation of one’s strength. Jesus does not demand perfection, but sincerity. The one who humbly acknowledges their limitations and still chooses to follow Christ — however imperfectly — is closer to true discipleship than the one who overcommits and collapses under the weight of unrealistic expectations.
The Gospel this week invites each of us to honestly assess where we stand. Are we willing to put Christ first, above all? What needs to be let go so we can follow more freely? But it also reassures us that the journey of discipleship is not about perfection but faithfulness. In choosing to walk the path — however falteringly — we are already responding to Christ’s call with courage and humility.
Fr Stephen Berecz
