Philippians 2:12-18 / Luke 14:25-33
We would like to think that life would be so comfortable if we are free and easy.
We would think that life would be so enjoyable if there is no stress, no commitments and no responsibilities.
But life is not as such, and even if it is really so, we will feel stagnated and that we are wasting away.
We are created to be active, to work and to have goals and directions in life.
And as Christians, more is required of us and we also cannot expect faith to be free and easy.
In the first reading, St. Paul tells the Philippians to work for their salvation with “fear and trembling” as it is so easy to want to enjoy life and be free of commitments and responsibilities.
And even when we face challenges and difficulties, struggles and troubles, then we still have to do all that has to be done without complaining or arguing.
Only then we will be innocent and genuine, perfect children of God among a deceitful and underhand brood, and we will shine in the world like bright stars because we are offering it the word of life.
And that essentially means that we accept the cross and carry it as we follow Jesus.
The Cross is a blessing and we carry it because we believe in the peace and joy that Jesus gives us as His disciples.
Discipleship comes with price of the Cross, but we believe that the blessings from the Cross are more than we can imagine.