Calculate the Cost

 

"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?" 

(Luke 14:28)

Jesus emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation. Before undertaking any significant task, it's crucial to consider the resources and effort required to complete it successfully. He teaches us to count the cost of our decisions and actions. This applies not only to financial costs but also to the time, energy, and commitment needed to achieve our goals.

We should make wise and informed decisions. By carefully evaluating our plans, we can avoid unnecessary setbacks and ensure that we are equipped to handle the challenges ahead. Thoughtful planning helps us to be good stewards of our resources and to fulfill our commitments. We have the responsibility to be accountable for our actions. 

These lessons inspire us to approach our endeavors with diligence, foresight, and wisdom. 

Before you build, before you start, 

Consider well with mind and heart. 

To build a tower, strong and tall, 

First count the cost, heed the call.

With careful thought and steady hand, 

Plan each step, understand. 

For dreams require more than desire, 

They need a spark, but also fire.

In every task, in every quest, 

Preparation is the test. 

To see it through, to reach the end, 

Count the cost, my friend.

For in the planning, wisdom lies, 

A path to follow, clear and wise. 

So build your tower, strong and true, 

With calculated steps, pursue.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. You have taught us the importance of planning and preparation in all that we do. Help us to count the cost of our decisions and actions, and to seek Your guidance in every step we take.

Grant us the wisdom to make thoughtful and informed choices, and the strength to follow through with our commitments. May we be diligent in our efforts, knowing that with Your help, we can achieve great things.

Teach us to be responsible stewards of the resources You have given us, and to use them in ways that honor You. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing and to be patient as we work towards our goals.

In all that we do, may we seek to glorify Your name and to build Your Kingdom here on earth. We pray for Your guidance and blessing in every endeavor.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

SAYINGS ON DISCIPLESHIP

Luke 14:25-33

Gospel Acclamation

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.

Gospel | Luke 14:25-33

25 Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, 26 “If any one 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. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come afterme cannot be my disciple. 28 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? 29 Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him 30 and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ 31 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? 32 But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. 33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple."

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

God's Inclusive Invitation

  

The master then ordered the servant,

"Go out to the highways 

and hedgerows and make people come 

in that my home may be filled. 

For, I tell you, none of those men 

who were invited will taste my dinner.” 

(Luke 14:23-24)

The master’s command to invite people from the roads and country lanes signifies the inclusivity of God's Kingdom. It shows that God's invitation is open to everyone, regardless of their background or status.

The urgency in the master's command to compel people to come in highlights the importance of responding to God's invitation without delay. It reminds us that the opportunity to accept God's grace should not be taken for granted.

The statement that those who were originally invited will not taste the banquet serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's invitation. It emphasizes the importance of being receptive to God's call.

The master's desire for a full house reflects God's wish for all to be part of His Kingdom. It underscores the abundance of God's grace and His longing for everyone to experience His love and fellowship.

These lessons encourage us to embrace God's inclusive invitation, respond with urgency, be mindful of the consequences of rejection, and recognize God's desire for a full and diverse Kingdom. 

In the fields and country lanes,

Where life's simple beauty reigns, 

God's call goes out, both far and near, 

To every heart, so pure and clear.

Come, all who wander, lost and lone, 

Find in His house, a loving home. 

No status, wealth, or name required, 

Just open hearts, with love inspired.

The banquet's set, the feast awaits, 

For every soul, at Heaven's gates. 

In God's embrace, we all belong, 

A diverse chorus, one joyful song.

So heed the call, and do not wait, 

For in His Kingdom, love is great. 

God's invitation, warm and wide, 

Welcomes all to come inside.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for Your boundless love and grace. Your invitation to join Your Kingdom is open to all, regardless of our past or status. We are humbled by Your inclusivity and the warmth of Your embrace.

Help us to extend this same love and acceptance to others. May we be instruments of Your peace, welcoming everyone with open arms and hearts. Teach us to see the beauty in diversity and to cherish each person as a unique creation of God.

Guide us to live out Your message of love and inclusivity in our daily lives. Let our actions reflect Your compassion and kindness, drawing others closer to You. We pray for the courage to reach out to those who feel lost or marginalized, offering them the hope and joy found in Your Kingdom.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT FEAST

Luke 14:15-24

Gospel Acclamation

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

Gospel | Luke 14:15-24

15 One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.” 16 He replied to him, “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. 17 When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’ 18 But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ 22 The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’ 23 The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. 24 For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.’ ”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Inability to Repay

 

"Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” 

(Luke 14:13-14)

This verse encourages us to give without expecting anything in return. True generosity is about helping others, especially those who cannot repay us. It reminds us that our good deeds will be rewarded by God, even if we don't see immediate benefits. Helping those in need brings blessings that may not be immediately apparent. Acts of kindness and charity enrich our lives in ways that material rewards cannot. The ultimate reward comes at the resurrection of the righteous.

This verse calls us to live with a focus on eternal values rather than temporary gains. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual growth and righteousness. These lessons inspire us to practice selfless love, trust in God's promises, and live with an eternal perspective. 

In the quiet corners of the heart, 

Where selfless love and kindness start, 

A gift is given, pure and true, 

To those who can't repay, like me and you.

A helping hand, a gentle smile, 

A sacrifice that goes the extra mile.

In acts of love, we find our way, 

To live as Christ, day by day.

Though they can't repay, we give, 

In this, we truly learn to live. 

For in the end, the blessings flow, 

From hearts that love and seeds we sow.

In God's great Kingdom, we shall see, 

The fruits of love, eternally. 

For every act of kindness shared, 

Is treasured by the Lord who cared.

I hope this poem resonates with you!

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that we can never fully repay the love and grace You have shown us. Your sacrifice on the cross and Your boundless mercy are gifts beyond measure.

Help us to live in a way that reflects Your love, giving selflessly to others, especially those who cannot repay us. Teach us to see Your face in the faces of those in need, and to serve them with compassion and kindness.

May our actions be a testament to Your love, and may we find joy in giving without expecting anything in return. Strengthen our faith and guide us to walk in Your footsteps, spreading Your light in the world.

We thank You, Lord, for Your endless blessings and for the promise of eternal life. In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

CONDUCT OF INVITED GUESTS AND HOSTS

Luke 14:7-14

Gospel Acclamation

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

Gospel | Luke 14:12-14

12 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. 13 Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

I Am

 

Jesus said to him, 

“I am the way 

and the truth 

and the life. 

No one comes 

to the Father 

except through me.” 

(John 14:6)

Jesus is the path to God. By following His teachings and example, we can find our way to a meaningful and fulfilling relationship with God. He embodies the ultimate truth. His words and actions reveal the nature of God and the principles by which we should live our lives. He offers eternal life. Through Him, we can experience a life that is abundant and everlasting, both now and in the hereafter.

This verse emphasizes that Jesus is the only way to the Father. It calls us to recognize the unique role of Jesus in our spiritual journey and to place our faith in Him. These lessons encourage us to follow Jesus, embrace His truth, and seek the life He offers. 

I am the way, the truth, the life, 

In every joy, in every strife. 

I am the light that guides your path, 

The gentle whisper, the righteous wrath.

I am the vine, you are the branches, 

In me, your soul finds second chances. 

I am the shepherd, you are my sheep, 

In my embrace, your heart will keep.

I am the door, the open gate, 

Through me, you'll find your destined fate. 

I am the bread, the living wine, 

In me, your spirit will align.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, 

The beginning and the end, 

In every moment, I am your friend.

I am the healer, the great I Am,

In every prayer, in every psalm. 

I am the love that never ends, 

In me, your broken heart mends.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. You are the way, the truth, and the life. In You, we find our path, our purpose, and our peace. We thank You for being our guide, our light, and our salvation.

Lord, help us to follow Your way, to embrace Your truth, and to live in Your life. Strengthen our faith and fill us with Your love, so that we may reflect Your grace in all we do. May we always seek Your presence and trust in Your divine plan.

In times of doubt, remind us that You are the vine, and we are the branches. In times of fear, remind us that You are the good shepherd, and we are Your flock. In times of need, remind us that You are the bread of life, and we are nourished by Your word.

Blessed be Your holy name, now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Book of Glory

THE LAST SUPPER DISCOURSES

John 14:1-14

Gospel Acclamation

This is the will of my Father, says the Lord, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life. 

Gospel | John 14:1-6 (or John 6:37-40)

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. 4 Where I am going you know the way.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Blessed Be Jesus Christ!

  

"Behold, your house 

will be abandoned. 

But I tell you, 

you will not see me 

until the time comes 

when you say, 

Blessed is he 

who comes in the 

name of the Lord.” 

(Luke 13:35)

The desolation of the house symbolizes the spiritual emptiness that comes from turning away from God. It highlights the consequences of rejecting Jesus and His message. Despite the warning, there is a message of hope. Jesus indicates that there will be a time when people will recognize Him and welcome Him. 

This points to the possibility of redemption and restoration. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting Jesus as the Messiah. True peace and fulfillment come from acknowledging Him and His authority.

The verse serves as a call to repentance and a reminder that the opportunity to turn to Jesus is available, but it should not be delayed. These lessons encourage us to reflect on our relationship with Jesus, to seek His presence in our lives, and to embrace the hope and redemption He offers. 

Blessed be Jesus Christ, our King, 

In His name, our hearts shall sing. 

With love and grace, He leads the way, 

Guiding us through night and day.

In every trial, He stands near, 

Wiping away each fallen tear. 

His light shines bright, a beacon true, 

In His embrace, we are made new.

Blessed be the Savior's name, 

Forevermore, His love proclaim. 

In joy and sorrow, peace and strife, 

He is the way, the truth, the life.

With grateful hearts, we lift our voice, 

In His presence, we rejoice. 

Blessed be Jesus Christ, our Lord, 

In Him, our souls are restored.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and praise. Blessed be Your holy name, for You are our Savior and King! We thank You for Your boundless love and mercy, which sustain us each day.

Guide us, Lord, to walk in Your ways and to live according to Your will. Help us to spread Your light and love to all those we encounter. May our lives be a testament to Your grace and goodness.

In times of joy and in times of trial, we trust in Your divine plan. Strengthen our faith and fill our hearts with Your peace. Blessed be Jesus Christ, now and forever.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

HEROD'S DESIRE TO KILL JESUS / THE LAMENT OVER JERUSALEM

Luke 13:31-33 / 34-35

Gospel Acclamation:

Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

Gospel | Luke 13:31-35

31 Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. 33 Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’ 34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! 35 Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Reflection Source

Conversation with Copilot

First and Last

 

"Behold, some are last 

who will be first, 

and some are first 

who will be last.” 

(Luke 13:30)

This verse is a powerful reminder of the values of the Kingdom of God, which often turn worldly expectations upside down. It emphasizes God's justice and fairness. Earthly status and achievements do not determine one's standing in the Kingdom of God.

In God's Kingdom, everyone has value and worth. Those who may seem insignificant or humble in the eyes of the world can be highly esteemed in God's Kingdom. It offers hope to those who feel overlooked or marginalized. It reminds us that earthly success and power are not the ultimate goals. True greatness comes from serving others and living according to God's will.

These lessons encourage us to live with humility, seek justice, and value every person as God does. 

In the quiet corners of the earth, 

Where humble hearts find their worth, 

The last shall rise, the first shall fall, 

In God's great Kingdom, love rules all.

The mighty oak from acorn small, 

The greatest rise from those who crawl. 

In every soul, a spark divine, 

In every heart, a sacred sign.

The meek shall lead, the proud shall bow,

In God's own time, in God's own now. 

For in His eyes, we all are one, 

The race is run, the prize is won.

So let us live with humble grace, 

And find our place in God's embrace. 

For in His Kingdom, all shall see, 

The first and last in harmony.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and humility. We thank You for Your teachings that remind us of the true values of Your Kingdom. Help us to embrace the lesson that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.

Grant us the grace to live with humility, to serve others selflessly, and to seek Your will above all. May we find joy in lifting others up, knowing that in Your Kingdom, greatness is measured by love and service.

Teach us to see the worth in every person, to honor those who are often overlooked, and to recognize that true honor comes from You alone. May we be instruments of Your peace and justice, reflecting Your love in all we do.

Lord, guide us to live in a way that honors You, with hearts open to Your wisdom and hands ready to serve. May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE NARROW DOOR; SALVATION AND REJECTION

Luke 13:22-30

Gospel Acclamation: 

God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel | Luke 13:22-30

22 Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. 25 After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ 27 Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. 30 For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Kingdom of God

 

 “What is the 

Kingdom of God like? 

To what can I 

compare it?" 

(Luke 13:18-21)

Luke 13:18-21 contains two parables: the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Parable of the Yeast. These parables illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of God.

Parable of the Mustard Seed: Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds but grows into a large tree where birds can perch. This teaches us that the Kingdom of God starts small but grows significantly, impacting many lives.

Parable of the Yeast: Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to yeast that a woman mixes into a large amount of flour until it works all through the dough. This illustrates how the Kingdom of God works quietly and pervasively, transforming everything it touches.

These parables remind us that even small acts of faith and kindness can have a profound impact, and that the influence of God's Kingdom is often subtle but powerful. 

In the smallest seed, a kingdom grows, 

A realm of peace where love flows. 

From mustard seed to mighty tree, 

A haven for all, for you and me.

Like yeast that works through all the dough, 

God's kingdom spreads, unseen but sure. 

In every heart, it finds its place, 

A quiet force, a boundless grace.

In acts of kindness, pure and small, 

The Kingdom's light shines for all. 

A whisper, a touch, a gentle call, 

In these, God's love stands tall.

So let us live with hearts aglow, 

In the Kingdom of God, let love show. 

For in each moment, great or slight, 

We build His realm; we share His light.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your grace and guidance. We thank You for the gift of Your Kingdom, a realm of love, peace, and righteousness. Help us to live as faithful citizens of Your Kingdom, spreading Your light and love in all we do.

May Your Kingdom grow within us, like the mustard seed that becomes a mighty tree. Let our faith be strong and unwavering, reaching out to others and providing shelter and comfort to those in need.

Just as yeast transforms the dough, may Your Spirit work within us, transforming our hearts and minds. Help us to be instruments of Your peace, bringing hope and healing to a world in need.

Lord, we pray for the strength to follow Your teachings and to live according to Your will. May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED/YEAST

Luke 13:18-21

Gospel Acclamation 

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Gospel | Luke 13:18-21

18 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” 20 Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Co-Pilot