The Cost of Discipleship

The Gospel today may sound shocking at first. Jesus tells us that unless we “hate” father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—and even our own life—we cannot be His disciples. Surely Jesus is not asking us to despise the people we love most! What He is saying is that to follow Him, our love for God must come first, above every other attachment, above every other loyalty, even above our own comfort.

Discipleship is costly. It is not a casual commitment. That is why Jesus gives two examples: a man building a tower and a king going to battle. Both need to count the cost before starting. Following Christ is like that. It requires planning, courage, and above all, surrender.

Discipleship is demanding, but it is also freeing. When Christ is first, everything else falls into its rightful place. Families are stronger, not weaker. Friendships are deeper, not shallower. Life has meaning, even when it carries a cross.

Jesus tells us today: Count the cost—but also see the reward. For when we walk with Him, we walk the path of life, the way of the cross that leads to resurrection.

Let us pray for the grace to put Christ first, to follow Him with courage, and to trust that with Him, even our heaviest burdens become light.

Amen.