Sometimes, following Jesus feels easy. We find comfort in prayer, joy in helping others, and peace in knowing that God walks with us. But what happens when following Jesus asks us to give up something we love, make a difficult choice, or carry a cross we never expected? In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to look beyond the excitement of following him and ask ourselves what we are truly willing to give.
The first shift in the Gospel is from wanting to follow Jesus to willing to carry the cross. Jesus speaks strongly about putting him before even our closest relationships. He is not asking us to stop loving our families. Rather, he asks us to love in a way that puts God at the center. Sometimes, this means forgiving someone when we would rather remain angry, staying faithful when a relationship becomes difficult, or doing what is right even when nobody notices.
The second shift is from acting on impulse to counting the cost. Jesus speaks of a person building a tower and a king preparing for battle. Both must pause and think before making a decision. Discernment does not mean having every answer beforehand. It means being honest about what lies ahead and asking God for the courage to take the next step.
The third shift is from holding to what we have to trusting what God can do. Jesus asks his disciples to renounce their possessions. Perhaps the greatest challenge is not what we own but what owns us: our need for recognition, our fear of failure, our desire to know and control everything, or our attachment to comfort. Each of us is invited to ask what we cling to so tightly that we have little room left for God and others.
Let us ask ourselves:
- What is the cross I am carrying in my life right now, and how might Jesus be inviting me to carry it with greater love and patience?
- Is there a decision I am rushing into, avoiding, or struggling with that calls for more prayer and honest discernment?
- What am I holding on to—comfort, recognition, resentment, or control—that might be keeping me from following Jesus more freely in my relationships and daily work?
Rev. Anish Kochanichottil, SJ
My name is Anish Kochanichottil. I am a Jesuit from India, currently residing at the Jerome Nadal Jesuit Residence while pursuing my MBA from Creighton University. Before coming to the USA, I was involved in school education for over a decade. My academic background includes a doctorate in education, with research focused on Critical Pedagogy and Missionary Education. I am truly excited to be part of the online ministry’s daily reflections and to share my insights.
