September 7, 2025 – Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Things to talk about:

• The beginning of this Gospel is teaching us to love God even more than our own family members. Is it possible to love God that much? Why or why not?
• In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus also teaches us about what it takes to be a disciple. Do you think it’s hard to be a disciple of Jesus? Why or why not?
• To be a disciple requires us to sacrifice things in our life. Is being a disciple of Jesus worth the sacrifice?

Things to do:

• Look at the Stations of the Cross in Church; how many stations show Jesus carrying the cross? Pray the Stations this week, find a version to pray here: Stations of the Cross – My Catholic Life!
• There are many ways to demonstrate carrying your own cross as Jesus did; one way is sacrificial giving. Identify something you can give up for the week, such as a luxury or a favorite activity; donate the saved resources to a charitable cause or Church.

Closing Prayer

Lord, Jesus Christ, in your face we see the Holy Face of God. Help us to keep our eyes always fixed on you. You are the “truth, the way and the life.” (John 14:6)

May we love you and follow you all the way to God’s Kingdom where you live and reign with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

Jesus teaches using parables, emphasizing that although there is a right way to be a disciple and enter into the kingdom of his Father, it is a difficult path to follow. Jesus explains that, when it comes to making a choice for the Kingdom of God, nothing can get in the way. When Jesus describes “hating” one’s father and mother, he is not talking about feelings; he is emphasizing very strongly that choosing to be a disciple means that everything else—family, money, your own life—must come second.

These difficult sayings of Jesus are followed by two brief parables (a person constructing a tower and a king marching into battle) that make an obvious point—don’t start what you cannot finish. Discipleship is difficult and is something we can commit to only if we are prepared to put the Kingdom of God before everything else. How much greater is the reward waiting for us if we overcome the challenges Jesus names? If our goal is to live with God forever, giving up all that we have becomes worth the struggle.

In our first week of Alpha we explore what brings us true and eternal happiness. Our path to being a disciple of Jesus is not easy, but ultimately, what brings us peace, joy and happiness forever in the Kingdom of God.