There is a tried and true process to making wise decisions. Whenever there is a choice to be made, and especially when those choices will have long-lasting repercussions, we should always take time to consider alternative solutions - all the alternatives - before resolving such questions.
We see evidence of this principle in the gospel account today ((Lk 14:25-33). Jesus is travelling with a great crowd of people and on the way, he is trying to encourage them to make wise decisions about whether they should continue to follow him or not. He encourages them to consider the alternatives: If anyone comes to me without being willing to carry his cross ... cannot be my disciple (Lk 14:26-27).
Being a disciple of Jesus sometimes means that we must be physically separated from those we love - and this is indeed very counter-cultural, but discipleship does not mean that we must be entirely cut off from those we love. In fact, in most cases, we come to love those who God chooses to share the journey with us.
Perhaps today we can consider a few questions: What cross (or crosses) has the Lord asked me to carry in order to be his disciple? Can I ... do I joyfully accept the challenges entrusted to me and see them as opportunities to grow closer to Jesus, to experience his love for me and to share the joy of discipleship with others?
Have a great day.
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