Reflection for Wednesday, November 4, 1998: 31st week in Ordinary Time.

Abstract

As I've read through the readings for November 4th, these passages have most impressed me:||From Philippians: 2:13 "because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose."|From Psalm 27:4 "I have asked the Lord for only one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the Lord's house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance.|From Gospel: Luke 14:27 "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. "And 14:33 "In the same way concluded Jesus, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up everything he has.'"|The key message from the above texts is Jesus' description of what it means to be a disciple. Much is expected. Jesus asks for the pure heart, the singular vision, the synergetic energy of a person to be concentrated on mission.|In the Gospel text Jesus raises the bar so high that it looks as if discipleship is an impossible lifestyle for us imperfect humans. But the Psalmist speaks just the right words to help us pray: "Lord we only want one thing and that is to live in your presence always, to marvel at your goodness and to ask for your GUIDANCE."|We seek GUIDANCE so that we can live as "disciples." And Paul reassures us in his letter to the Philippians that: "God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose." God is always with us to help us live out the core purpose of our mission to become disciples of Jesus.|These texts show the "challenge" and the "support" to live a life of discipleship that lies before each of us. For most, the "challenge" of discipleship comes in little acts during the day with our family, co-workers, and friends.|Father, help us see clearly what is expected of us each day and let us be mindful that you are always with us, helping us, encouraging us to become Jesus' disciples. Good and Gracious God, thank you for your enduring presence in our lives.