Franciscan Friar Fr. Paul Gallagher reflects on the Gospel readings for the Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time. Who would you include among your most important relationships?
The content is edited by Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Anne Marie Lom and Joe Thiel. The excerpts from the Sunday readings are prepared by Joe Thiel. To read or download the complete pdf with excerpts for your prayer, please click here: Franciscan Gospel Reflection September 7 2025. Excerpts are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Photos: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Frisco, Texas shares these Jesus and his followers stained-glass windows. May we do as Jesus would do.
Luke 14:25-33
Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
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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? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’
“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? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
“In the same way anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”
Background:
Last week’s gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14) placed Jesus at table with a leading member of the Pharisees for a Sabbath meal. The custom of the day would have been to place the most honored guests at the right and the left of the host. All those at the table would have been people of similar status. Jesus challenged those attending to rethink that practice and how to gain honor. That text concluded with the reassuring statement that all will be “repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:14)
Not included as part of last Sunday’s gospel is a comment made by one of the other dinner guests: “Blessed is the one who will dine in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 14:15b) In response, Jesus tells a parable with the familiar theme—a great banquet. Many of those invited declined to attend, so the “poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame” (Luke 14:21d) were invited. Because there was still room, even the strangers along the road were invited.
Luke’s gospel then describes Jesus addressing a great crowd that was traveling with him. Jesus’ instruction to them is the text for this week’s gospel. Luke will return to the image of a great banquet next week when Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son.
Jesus’ address to the crowds in this gospel seems to focus on those considering becoming disciples. In what may be startling language he describes three qualities he requires: the ability to put their relationship with Jesus above other relationships, acceptance of their own cross, and letting go of possessions. In a cultural world where one’s relationship with family and community determines every aspect of one’s life, even survival, making one’s relationship with Jesus primary carries significant repercussions. Jesus’ commitment to his mission produces a willingness to accept suffering and death. His followers need to be aware that their commitment could require them to experience suffering and rejection also. Lastly, Jesus’ disciples must be willing to let go of their possessions as faithful disciples. This is not a new requirement but follows for the others.
Discussion Questions
- Who would you include among your most important relationships?
- Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to let go of an important relationship? Why? What do you remember about that situation?
- Have you ever wished you were more fully aware of what you were getting into (with an organization, task, or relationship)?
- Who have been the honest voices of wisdom in your life?
- Who are your heroes who have been true to their values even in difficult situations?
- What are some of the things you have left behind or let go of in your journey as a disciple of Jesus?
- What does it say to you that Jesus wanted those who were considering discipleship to consider the consequences of their actions?
- Can you share honestly and openly with God your feelings about trying to live as a disciple of Jesus, or some other aspect of today’s gospel that is important to you?
Article Comments:
Sister Anne Marie Lom 09/07/2025 @ 6:55 am
Who are your heroes who have been true to their values even in difficult situations?
My mom and dad both exhibited great courage and integrity when they told us to never break a promise. I saw them be faithful to church, family, friends and neighbors because these relationships were woven into the fabric of our daily lives. The bedrock virtues of honesty and hard work were passed on to us.
Joe Thiel 09/07/2025 @ 4:23 pm
Paraphrasing: Pick up your own cross, and follow me, while I carry mine… I invite you to be my disciple… But consider, before you do it, “Can I leave all those behind who will not choose to come along with us? Do I have what it takes?” Consider it like you would consider your resources before starting any other monumental project. Because this will change your life, and you will have to leave all those behind, who choose not to come along. They, like you, get to choose for themselves.
I am grateful for all who have been companions on the way–some family, some lay Christian friends, some clergy/religious–especially the honest voices of wisdom. From our first reading, from Wisdom: “Who can conceive what the Lord intends? Who can search them out?”