"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
