The Cost of Discipleship

​A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, September 7th, 2025:
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Luke
14.25-33

​Large crowds were travelling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate their father and mother, spouse and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even their life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’

“Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.

“So therefore, whoever of you does not give up all their possessions cannot be my disciple.”

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

Receiving disappointing news back-to-back on Friday, August 15, 2025, first at 1:00 a.m. and then again at 3:15 p.m., did not sit well with me. The sting of rejection reminded me that being a disciple of Christ is not an easy path. It comes with expectations, discipline, cost, and deep commitment. My decision to follow Jesus didn't happen overnight; it was shaped through disappointments, betrayals, and life's sharp lessons. These trials have taught me the value of forgiveness, even when I am not at fault.

I can recall a moment at work when a colleague forgot to lock the office. I was nearly blamed for the mishap, but, thankfully, my colleague admitted his mistake, and as a team we decided to resolve it quietly without escalating it to our supervisor. Another time, I endured subtle shade thrown my way by coworkers. Though it hurt, I chose to let go and stay focused, reminding myself of who I am in Christ. For I am called to be the light of the world, and that means reflecting Him even when others do not.

Jesus' words in Luke 14:25-33 echo in these moments. Following Him requires sacrifice; sometimes it means surrendering relationships, comfort, or even the desire to defend myself. Like the builder who must count the cost before laying a foundation, I am learning to weigh what it truly means to live as His disciple. It is not about fitting into every circle or winning human approval; it is about standing firm in Christ even when the crowd walks a different path.

Even in ministry, I have seen a heart quick to judge, forgetting that the Church is a hospital for the broken, a place for healing, not criticism. And beyond people, discipleship also means holding earthly possessions loosely, knowing that nothing I own can compare with the treasure of knowing Christ. My walk with Him is secure, and though it comes at a cost, it carries a promise: everything surrendered is gained in Him.

I may not fit in everywhere, but I have found my place in Christ. And that, I know, is worth every cost.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please teach me to walk in a way that’s worthy of Your will and to respond to Your word, living as a true disciple for You. Amen.




 Michaelina Dawson-Otoo​

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