Counting the Cost of Discipleship

HOMILY FOR THE TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

BY REV. AUGUSTINE ADETOLA

Dear friends, following Jesus is not always easy. He asks for more than quick prayers or

kind words. He calls us to put him first, even before family or friends, even before our

pride and ego. That can be hard to hear. But Jesus wants us to know what we’re saying yes to. He wants us to think carefully and choose with open eyes. This is what authentic

discipleship is all about.

The readings challenge us to rely on God’s wisdom, welcome others with love, and consider the cost of discipleship. Each message calls us to grow in trust, commitment, and love for God and others. The first reading reminds us how limited our human understanding is. It tells us that we often cannot see the bigger picture or fully grasp what God has planned for us. Without His wisdom, we are like people trying to find our way in the dark.

This reading encourages us to turn to God for guidance in our lives. Instead of relying only on what we know or understand, we need to pray for His wisdom. When we face important decisions or challenges, we should ask for His help, trusting that He knows what is best for us.

In the second reading, Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother in Christ.

Onesimus was once a servant, but Paul encourages Philemon to see him differently now.

This is a reminder that faith changes how we see and treat others. When we follow

Christ, we are part of one family. This means that no matter someone’s background, race,

or status, they are our brother or sister. Welcoming others into our lives with kindness

and love reflects the way God welcomes us.

In the Gospel, Jesus says we must carry our cross. He uses examples like building a tower or planning a battle. These things take thought and care. Faith is like that too. It takes real commitment. It asks for trust and strength. He tells us that discipleship means

sacrifice. Carrying a cross was a shocking and painful image for the people of His time,

but Jesus used it to show the seriousness of following Him. Jesus is not telling us to

literally hate our family or possessions. He is saying that nothing can come before

Him—not our family, wealth, or comfort. If we love anything more than Him, we cannot

fully follow His path.

Discipleship is not about living life as usual. It is about making choices that put Jesus

first, even when it costs us something. We are challenged to think about what we might be clinging to that keeps us from fully following Him. If we are not ready to make sacrifices, we risk starting something we cannot finish. By turning to God’s wisdom, treating others as part of His family, and making sacrifices to follow Jesus, we can walk more faithfully on the path of discipleship.

Discipleship is not a bed of roses where everything goes as planned. We must be ready to let go of every form of selfishness and pride. We must be ready to contribute our quota to the development of the Church and that of our family. We must be ready to choose Christ first before all others. Today, let us examine ourselves and check those things we place before Christ. Let us change and put God first if we truly want to be His disciples. May God help us and make us worthy disciples of his through Christ our Lord. Amen.