September 5, Twenty-Third Sunday

In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. — Psalm 90:1 

Mass Readings: Wisdom 9:13-18 / Philemon 9-10,12-17 / Luke 14:25-33 

The Right Path 

I know a priest who wasn’t ordained until he was 57. He taught, coached football and then worked for Universal Studios in Hollywood. He churned out several blockbusters but he was miserable. He realized that the more prestige he had, the “lousier” person he was becoming. 

In today’s Gospel Jesus issues a daunting challenge: you can’t become His disciple until you turn your back on your own family and take up your cross. On their face, Jesus’ words seem to make no sense and even seem to be un-Christian. But I’m sure the film-executive-turned-priest understands what Jesus meant. The life we fall into, even with its successes and positive moments, isn’t necessarily the life we should be leading. Grace offers us a God-centered life. 

Prayer: Lord, lead me down the path of righteousness.