Daily Catholic Lectio
Wednesday, 8 November 2023
Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Romans 13:8-10. Luke 14:25-33
Planning and being prudent!
The gospel reading of the day answers two questions: (1) Who can’t be a disciple of Jesus? (2) Who can be a disciple?
(1) Who can’t be a disciple of Jesus?
a. One who prioritises his family and life above Jesus.
b. One who fails to carry his cross.
c. One who does not renounce all that he has.
Prioritising Jesus above all, embracing pain, and renouncing wealth are the stepping stones for discipleship.
(2) Who can be a disciple of Jesus?
a. One who counts the cost like a tower builder
It is a managerial lesson to think to the end before initiating any action. One must be able to forecast the negatives more than the positives. As a result, he or she will be completely equipped. Jesus uses the metaphor of a tower-builder. Any construction involves planning. And building a tower involves meticulous planning. Lack of planning will drain resources and energy. Failing to complete will fetch criticism. A disciple of Jesus must keep in mind not only the foundation but also the pinnacle of the tower.
b. One who is prudent, like a warring king
The warring king is the second parable. According to this metaphor, the warring king compares his potential with that of the enemy and changes his plan to protect his life. He seeks peace more than victory. It is necessary that a disciple, all along the journey, be prudent to pause, reflect, and change his or her plans.
Both metaphors seem to contradict each other. But they are complementary to each other. When we plan, we must plan till the end. And when we act, we must act square by square. Discipleship has two dimensions: planning it to the end and pausing to reflect and revert.
What are the lessons for us?
(1) Discipleship is an initiative that everyone must take on their own. To take this initiative, one must have his or her priorities right, accept pain, and renounce.
(2) We are highly valued. Jesus raises the standard of his disciples by comparing them to builders and kings. Choosing God is of high value. A person who chooses God must keep his or her mind on higher things. He or she must never sell himself or herself for lower things.
(3) All are invited. Often, we think of discipleship as a prerogative of priests and religious. Embracing greatness is a life’s call to everyone. Anyone who aspires for greatness and higher things is a disciple of Jesus.
In the first reading, as Saint Paul concludes his exhortation, he writes, “Love is the fulfilment of the law.” Paul, who began the epistle with a reflection on the law, concludes it with the same theme. The law bears fruit in acts of love.
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church invites “every disciple of Jesus to hold fast to faith and to proclaim it through a witnessing life” (cf. n. 1816).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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