23RD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR IN ORDINARY TIME(C)
1st Reading: (Wisdom 9: 13-18)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 90:3—4.5-6.12-13.14 and 17 (R.1)
2nd Reading: (Philemon 9-10.12-17)
Gospel Reading: (Luke 14:25-33)
Olah Isaac S.A
One of the key requirements of being a good disciple is Self-Denial.
As humans, we were created with free will, and God respects that will.
But the moment you choose to become a disciple of Jesus, you must learn not to rely solely on your own desires. Instead, you must be willing to align your will with the will of God for your life.
Here is the twist: the will of God may not always appear attractive at first. Sometimes it looks tough, restrictive, or even unpleasant. But if you can discipline yourself to submit to it, in the end you will discover that it was the best decision you ever made.
Self-denial and discipline are non-negotiable if you truly want to be a disciple that pleases the Master.
This passage reminds us of the transformative power of Christ’s love. Paul appeals to Philemon not on the basis of authority but out of love, asking him to welcome Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother in Christ.
It shows how the Gospel breaks down barriers of status, power, and division, creating true family in the Lord. Paul’s words challenge us too to see others not through the lens of their past, their mistakes, or their social standing, but as beloved brothers and sisters.
Just as Philemon was asked to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul, we are invited to welcome others with mercy, dignity, and love because in Christ, we are one family.
Angela Ocheme
In the Gospel passage of today, Jesus is telling us that whoever does not carry his/her cross cannot be my disciple. And carrying ones cross means being willing to sacrifice and endure hardships for the sake of following Jesus.
Jesus said that following Him requires putting Him above all else, including family and ones personal interests.
Before committing to follow Jesus Christ, one should consider the challenges and sacrifices involved.
This is saying that Jesus is calling g people to be fully committed to Him, even if it means giving up other things that are important to them.
This doesn't mean denying one's identity or worth but rather denying selfish desires and priorities that conflict with God's will.
To trust in His (Jesus') plan and purpose even when its difficult or unclear to us.
Anyanwu Ugochukwu
*Received am like say na me you receive!!!*
*Received am like say na me you receive!!!*
Hmmm.
Awa elder broda, Paul beg on behalf of anoda broda wey waka anyhow…
Na d way e take beg, Paul use ihm sef as kolataral, somthin wey heavy come strong!
My pipul, na dis same attitude wey Onesimus get make Jesus come back for me and U….
Bcos we no fit open mouth aknolege say na God dey run things for us.
Now, see as Oga David tak talk for d responsorial psalm, “na God dey watch awa back, dey provide for us since d time of awa papa papa dem reach now” dis one na bcos say ihm kno how far God don go for ihm life…
Look well, d moment Onesimus rememba who dey in charge, ihm lyf change bcos e hear d word of God wey talk say “E yi pada, e yin Omo Olorun”
Me and U, Shey we fit agree say we don waka anyhow?
Say we don go where we no suppose go?
Abi we fit agree say we go fit forgive com accept dat broda, dat sista wey do us strong thing.
Today, d message wey I gada be say:
Me sef don do anyhow, d way wey anoda person don do anyhow to me…
But, I don learn today say, mak I dey use merciful love as Christian wey I b dey forgive. Bcos if me no plan my Christian life well… I go fall yakata!
So der for, my touching body wit Baba God suppose show say, my plan go allow me *“let go, and let God”*
God abeg,
Na Yur grace I want, so dat me too go get plan wey go sweet you and so dat I no go disappoint you
Amen
Rosemary Ibazebo
What man can earn the counsel of God? Or who can discern what the Lord wills?
Thankfully, it goes further to say ' *Who has learned your counsel unless you have been given wisdom and sent your Holy Spirit from on high?*
By the help of the Holy Spirit, we can actually discern the will of God, because He has revealed Himself in His Word and in His Son Jesus.
This is why St Paul would state in 1Cor 2:16:
1 Corinthians 2:16 NLTCE
[ *16] For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.*
This is why, we must, as Christians, walk with the Holy Spirit our Helper. It is only by the help of the Holy Spirit that Paul could tell Philemon to take back Onesimus, not as a slave but as a brother, as seen in the 2nd reading, or we can understand how we can renounce all we have, to become disciples of Jesus, as seen in the Gospel.
Glory to Jesus.
How to Kill Self and Live for Jesus
The natural man wants to be free even from God. But freedom from the loving chains of God's Love is entering a painful chain of Satan's slavery...
There is no middle ground in this pilgrimage.
Man is free but everywhere in chains... Jesus is offering you an opportunity to choose the right yoke.... The Gentle one or the rugged one.
The Irony is that the rugged one look attractive and cool while the Gentle one looks unattractive and rough.
Make that choice today.
Of the company you keep
Of the fashion you wear,
Of the things you watch
Things you listen to
Things you discuss..
Things you allow your hearts to dwell on..
Etc.
You must renounce these things that has become Fathers, mothers, siblings and even gods to you.
Jesus is calling you away from Idolatry today!!!!
That is the only way to die to self and Live Jesus.
Christ in me the Hope of Glory.Holy God, Holy Mighty one, Holy Immortal one... Have Mercy on us and the whole world. Amen
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