Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 5 Nov ‘25
Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday
Romans 13:8–10. Luke 14:25–33
Planning in Full and Ahead
Jesus, after speaking about dining and hospitality—about giving and receiving invitations—turns now to the deeper meaning of discipleship. He explains what it truly costs to follow Him: the willingness to let go of attachments, possessions, and relationships that stand in the way; the courage to take up the cross. To help us understand this, He gives two parables: the man who plans to build a tower and the king who prepares for war.
The man who builds a tower must first assess his strength and resources. Without a complete plan, he cannot finish what he starts. It is not enough to begin well; one must see the work through to the end. As the Preacher in Ecclesiastes says, “Better is the end of a matter than its beginning” (Eccl 7:8). Stephen Covey calls this “beginning with the end in mind.” To follow Jesus, then, is not a momentary emotion or an impulsive choice; it is a lifelong journey that begins with the awareness that discipleship ultimately leads to the Cross. Whoever wishes to walk with Christ must start by keeping the end—the Cross—in mind.
In the second image, the king about to go to war sits down first to think. He studies his own strength and that of the enemy and then decides whether to fight or to seek peace. Without such foresight, he risks losing everything—his people, his resources, his peace. The more one plans carefully and acts thoughtfully, the more likely he is to succeed. Quick and impulsive decisions may lead to failure; patient and prudent planning brings peace.
Discipleship, therefore, requires us to plan fully and ahead—not only in the spiritual sense but in all areas of life. To follow Christ responsibly means to prepare our hearts, to count the cost, and to commit to the journey no matter how demanding it becomes.
In the first reading, St. Paul reminds us that “Love is the fulfilment of the Law.” Love itself is the best plan. The one who truly loves acts thoughtfully and intentionally. Love teaches us to see the bigger picture, to decide wisely, and to live purposefully. A person who loves God and neighbour does not live carelessly; he lives with direction, with planning, with vision.
Let us then be disciples who plan in full and ahead—disciples who love deeply, decide wisely, and follow faithfully. To begin with Christ is grace; to continue with Him is faith; but to finish with Him, on the Cross and in glory, is our true discipleship.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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