Fr. Rick’s Two Minute 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time C

September 7, 2025, Luke 14:25-33

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090725.cfm

Jesus Is Worth Our Sacrifice

Over a week ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released several players in an effort to trim their roster to the 53-man limit. It must have been particularly disappointing for these players, considering the considerable work and effort they invested in training camp.

Similarly, the Rays recently made some trades. They cut players after a brutal losing streak that nearly pushed them to the bottom of the American League East.

Professional sports, renowned for their fierce competition, require significant sacrifices. Athletes often sacrifice valuable time with their families in their pursuit of greatness. This echoes Jesus’s teaching on the importance of sacrifice in discipleship.  

The gospel uses the word ‘hate,’ which might sound very harsh. However, in the context of our Lord’s time, ‘hate’ was understood to mean loving Jesus more than family and home. It’s a love so deep that all other relationships pale in comparison and are reoriented in a healthy way. 

Could it be we have lost the challenge of being a disciple, living within the comforts of our American society? The Bucs compete for a trophy they hope to win in the Super Bowl. The Rays compete for a trophy they hope to win in the World Series. How much they sacrifice for something that will be old the next day. The bragging rights soon fade away. 

Jesus calls us to consider what we will sacrifice for a new relationship with Him. It never gets old; it only gets better. So, let’s ask ourselves, are we truly satisfied with the impact our faith in Jesus and the church has on our lives? What time, talent, and treasure do we give up because we love Jesus more than anything? 

Gospel Challenge:
The king in the parable faced the difficulty of deciding whether he could oppose an army twice his size. Similarly, we face the challenge of overcoming the world, which is far stronger than we are. The one weapon the world cannot overcome is the cross of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Are we ready to accept His cross and release the selfishness that keeps us apart from Him and others? The small and large crosses we face each day help prevent worldly distractions from taking over our hearts. Go to Jesus with this challenge. He is Lord. There is no other.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC 
pastor@bscchurch.com