The End in Mind!

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Phil 2: 12-18; Lk 14: 25-33

Today’s Gospel highlights the real and deliberate nature of Christian discipleship.

For Jesus, discipleship is a radical choice. This is why he insists that ‘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.’ Does Jesus truly propose that his disciples hate their families? We may not think so. The radicality of Jesus’ words means that God cannot be placed second. In other words, the priority for Jesus turns all other attachments to appear like ‘hate’ by comparison. Thus, Jesus speaks of discipleship in uncompromising terms. 

Moving on, Jesus enlightens his audience on discipleship by employing two scenarios. He mentions the builder of a tower to show that discipleship cannot be an emotional choice but a rational one – one that is well-thought-out, evaluating the pros and cons, as it would involve carrying the cross and renouncing possessions. In the second instance, the king going to war requires honest introspection and a sober look at what it demands. If the king fails to plan, he plans to fail when he marches out to battle with too few soldiers. 

Jesus’ teaching helps us realize that discipleship cannot be an unplanned event, lacking diligent or careful discernment. Through two examples, Jesus deepens our understanding of discipleship as something we begin with the end in mind. 

Let us pray that we may discern discipleship as a conscious choice and a willing surrender to God. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar