9/8/25 Carry your Cross with Jesus

HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAITH Gospel - Luke 14:25-33Great 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. 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.”“Jesus invites us into a detachment that can feel bewildering, almost as if we might be left alone, without friends or comfort. Yet this holy letting go makes space in us, opening our hands to receive what God longs to pour out.”Name it with courage: are there things, people, titles, or feelings you cling to? Be specific.Sit with one attachment. Imagine what it might feel like to lay it down, tenderly and trustingly.Then in silence, pray: “Holy Spirit, what does Jesus desire to give me in place of this attachment?” (Take your time and let the Holy Spirit speak to you. If you don’t sense an answer, allow more time for the Spirit to work in you, and keep your heart open throughout the day or week as the Spirit moves in your life.)Find the Sunday readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090725.cfm