Friends, on this twenty-third Sunday of ordinary time year C, Our Mother church celebrates the spirit of commitment and self-sacrifice of Christ. The spirit of self-sacrifice motivates one to do the unimaginable. This spirit made Jesus give up everything, including his own life, for our sake. So, through this same spirit, we can become true disciples of Christ. The readings of today, challenge us to rely on God’s wisdom, welcome others with love, and consider the cost of discipleship. Each message calls us to grow in trust, commitment, and love for God and others. Lord, help us to trust Your wisdom above our own understanding. Teach us to welcome others with love and to see them as part of Your family.
Friends, today’s first reading draws our attention to the depth of the wisdom of God. He alone knows his intentions for humanity. The reading reminds us how limited our human understanding is. It tells us that we often cannot see the bigger picture or fully grasp what God has planned for us. Without His wisdom, we are like people trying to find their way in the dark. The first reading of today encourages us to turn to God for guidance in our lives. Instead of relying only on what we know or understand, we need to pray for His wisdom. When we face important decisions or challenges, we should ask for His help, trusting that He knows what is best for us. Brothers and sisters, we are reminded that God’s ways are higher than ours. His wisdom helps us see beyond our own fears and desires. Trusting Him can lead us to choices that bring real peace and meaning.
Friends, in the second reading, Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon in the spirit of sacrifice. Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother in Christ. Onesimus was once a servant, but Paul encourages Philemon to see him differently now. This is a reminder that faith changes how we see and treat others. When we follow Christ, we are part of one family. This means that no matter someone’s background, race, or status, they are our brother or sister. Welcoming others into our lives with kindness and love reflects the way God welcomes us. Brothers and sisters, the second reading challenges us to think about how we treat the people around us. Are there people we avoid or judge because they seem different? Christ calls us to go beyond those barriers and to see each person as a child of God. This kind of love can heal divisions and create stronger communities. There is nothing we cannot sacrifice for the sake of God and humanity.
Friends, the Gospel of today, gives us a tough message about following Jesus. Christ tells us that discipleship means sacrifice. Carrying a cross was a shocking and painful image for the people of His time, but Jesus used it to show the seriousness of following Him. Jesus is not telling us to literally hate our family or possessions. He is saying that nothing can come before Him not our family, wealth, or comfort. If we love anything more than Him, we cannot fully follow His path. Discipleship is not about living life as usual. It is about making choices that put Jesus first, even when it costs us something. We are challenged to think about what we might be clinging to that keeps us from fully following Him. If we are not ready to make sacrifices, we risk starting something we cannot finish. Jesus invites us to trust Him and to let go of anything that keeps us from walking fully in His way. By turning to God’s wisdom, treating others as part of His family, and making sacrifices to follow Jesus, we can walk more faithfully on the path of discipleship. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed Sunday and a fruitful new week ahead of you.
