Download Homily Notes for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time "C", Sept 4, 2016

Homily Notes for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time "C",
Sept 4, 2016
Readings: 1st - Wis 9:13-18b; Ps: 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17; 2nd - Phil 9-10, 12-17; Gospel - Lk 14:25-33
Theme: The Cost of Discipleship. How costly? Why me? Why is it worth it?
1. Summary: Jesus makes it clear that the cost of discipleship and hence of salvation is very high. We
might ask, "Why do I have to undergo so much?" "Is it really worth it?" "Aren't there other
alternatives?" Then personally, “What life-style really ‘uplifts’ me.” "Today's readings challenge us to
total commitment to follow Jesus, putting God first in our lives.
2. The first reading affirms how little we can know on our own. It also instructs us to ask God for the gifts
of discernment and wisdom from the Holy Spirit in order to obey His will as disciples.
3. The second reading teaches us that detachment and renunciation are necessary. Paul had to
renounce the service of Onesimus and return him to his master as a runaway slave accepting the
consequences.
4. The psalm instructs disciples to be aware constantly of the brevity and uncertainty of life.
5. Today's Gospel reminds us to count the cost of being a Christian, because the cost is high. Christian
discipleship requires one to "renounce" both possessions of the earth and possessions of the heart (i.e.,
one's relationships). Surprisingly this leads to lasting happiness!
Note that the Greek word for “hating” can also mean “love less.” We must love God above all things.
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Calculate the cost!
6. In Luke's Gospel Jesus identifies four criteria for discipleship:
1. Renouncing the attachment to family , by putting God first, before family.
2. Severing one's attachment to possessions by leading a life detached from material possessions,
always able to give them up. In today's reading we hear the phrase, "everyone of you who does not
renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple." This does not mean holding a giant yard sale and
living as wandering paupers. It does mean that we must be detached enough from our possessions that
we can share what we have with others sacrificially and not be kept from our mission by our possessions
(See Mt 19:16ff).
3. Accepting the hard consequences of discipleship which involves daily sacrificial service to others,
even possibly losing one's life for them. We must also be faithful in our stewardship, faithful in our
worship attendance, faithful in our sexuality, honest in our business practices, accurate on our tax
returns, and we must show compassion for the less fortunate.
4. Calculating the cost involved before jumping in.
7. But why me? Why do I have to suffer?
Jesus had to suffer and die for us because of the reality of original sin and actual sin in the world.
Secularists all deny original sin. They say that evil comes from outside human beings. Only Christians
recognize that we are defective. We need salvation. Because of the consequences of original sin in the
world, we need to follow the example of our Lord and Savior and pay the cost of discipleship (See John
15:13 and the crucifix).
8. Why is following Jesus worth it? In addition to pleasing God and gaining salvation in heaven, sinful,
worldly philosophies and ways of life lead to misery and exploitation. Let us follow the thought of
Matthew Kelly in Rediscover Catholicism in Chapter Two, The Prevailing Philosophy. Not only does Kelly
identify three destructive prevailing philosophies in this chapter, he also identifies destructive lifestyles
that flow out of these philosophies. We must serve Jesus in the world to avoid the destructive
consequences of sin.
9. I invite all of us to evaluate if Kelly is correct in identifying these philosophies and if he correct in
identifying the destructive life-styles that flow from them. Let us remember St. Paul in Romans 12:1-2:
“I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the
renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and
perfect.”
10. Kelly identifies Individualism, Hedonism and Minimalism as the three prevailing philosophies.
11. Individualism: Individualism focuses on “What’s in it for me.” It is based on an all-consuming concern
for self. Kelly says that “individualism” always weakens the community and causes the whole to suffer.”
Fruits: Kelly says that the fruits of individualism are “greed, selfishness, and exploitation.” Do you
believe he is correct? What kind of society and what kind of life do these produce?
12. Hedonism: Hedonism “asserts that pleasure is the supreme good… Hedonism is the philosophy that
emphasizes pleasure as the ultimate goal of life. The motto of the hedonist is, “If it feels good, do it.”
Fruits: “Whenever hedonism has emerged as a dominant practical philosophy… it produced men and
women who were lazy, lustful and gluttonous.” It destroys its people and its culture.
13. Minimalism: The creed of minimalism is, “What is the least I can do? A minimalist is always seeking
to exert the minimum effort and receive the maximum reward.” “What is the least I can do and still keep
my marriage alive? What is the least I can do and still get to Heaven?”
Fruits: Minimalism is the enemy of excellence and the father of mediocrity.
14. Kelly further asserts that “It is within the philosophical realms of individualism, hedonism, and
minimalism that most people make the majority of their decisions every day.” “Individualism, hedonism,
and minimalism will destroy every individual and community that practices them. They are ultimately
self-destructive philosophies that destroy body, heart, mind, and soul…”
15. Thought determines action. It would not be too soon for us to learn that ideas have very real
consequences. I invite us to use these categories to evaluate our own decisions, to inform our
examination of conscience, and to share with others to lead them to God, not to the standards of this
world.
16. Compare these philosophies to those of Jesus. Which is really true? Where do you want to be?
17. Why is it worth it? There are two levels of benefits, in this life and in the life to come.
18. Benefits in eternal terms - Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father but by me." The Way of the Cross is the way of life that the Son of God has revealed to us! In
Mark 8:34,
"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever
wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save
it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life..."
19. Benefits in this life.
It is worth doing things Jesus's way, the hard way, the narrow gate, because it is also the path to long
term maturity and success in this world, life with both blessings and prosperity.
Suffering (deferred gratification) is the way of maturity and success.
The story of a young man becoming a doctor. “If I had not come back to my Catholic faith in the
university,
I would never have become a doctor.”
The example from David Goleman's Emotional Intelligence (pp. 80-82).
20. Conclusion. The Way of the Lord Jesus is the way of happiness, fulfillment and success but it is costly.
In the midst of the sufferings and the struggles, God will give us the peace and joy that the world cannot
give.
21. Discussion questions for reflection or for the family.
1. Why would Jesus tell us about the high cost of discipleship? In getting rid of possessions, Jesus was a
10 on a scale of 1 to 10. Where do you think you fit? Do you want to move your number up a little
higher? How?
2. Is following Jesus a one-time choice or do you have to make it daily? Which would you rather have, all
the possessions you could ever want without Christ or Christ and no possessions? Think about it. Can
you name some people who lived/live in Christ and possessed nothing?
3. How do you see the world? Do you believe that all have been corrupted by original sin and that sin
must battled with every day? Does this show us why life cannot be easy as we struggle against the sin
within us as well as the sin and disorder around us in the world?
4. Why is the daily journey of Christian discipleship worth it? Are the benefits in this life or the benefits
in the life to come more important or more attractive to you? Why?
Homily Notes for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time "C",
Sept 4, 2016
Readings: 1st - Wis 9:13-18b; Ps: 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17; 2nd - Phil 9-10, 12-17; Gospel - Lk 14:25-33
Theme: The Cost of Discipleship. How costly? Why me? Why is it worth it?
1. Summary: Jesus makes it clear that the cost of discipleship and hence of salvation is very high. We
might ask, "Why do I have to undergo so much?" "Is it really worth it?" "Aren't there other
alternatives?" Then personally, “What life-style really ‘uplifts’ me.” "Today's readings challenge us to
total commitment to follow Jesus, putting God first in our lives.
2. The first reading affirms how little we can know on our own. It also instructs us to ask God for the gifts
of discernment and wisdom from the Holy Spirit in order to obey His will as disciples.
3. The second reading teaches us that detachment and renunciation are necessary. Paul had to
renounce the service of Onesimus and return him to his master as a runaway slave accepting the
consequences.
4. The psalm instructs disciples to be aware constantly of the brevity and uncertainty of life.
5. Today's Gospel reminds us to count the cost of being a Christian, because the cost is high. Christian
discipleship requires one to "renounce" both possessions of the earth and possessions of the heart (i.e.,
one's relationships). Surprisingly this leads to lasting happiness!
Note that the Greek word for “hating” can also mean “love less.” We must love God above all things.
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Calculate the cost!
6. In Luke's Gospel Jesus identifies four criteria for discipleship:
1. Renouncing the attachment to family , by putting God first, before family.
2. Severing one's attachment to possessions by leading a life detached from material possessions,
always able to give them up. In today's reading we hear the phrase, "everyone of you who does not
renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple." This does not mean holding a giant yard sale and
living as wandering paupers. It does mean that we must be detached enough from our possessions that
we can share what we have with others sacrificially and not be kept from our mission by our possessions
(See Mt 19:16ff).
3. Accepting the hard consequences of discipleship which involves daily sacrificial service to others,
even possibly losing one's life for them. We must also be faithful in our stewardship, faithful in our
worship attendance, faithful in our sexuality, honest in our business practices, accurate on our tax
returns, and we must show compassion for the less fortunate.
4. Calculating the cost involved before jumping in.
7. But why me? Why do I have to suffer?
Jesus had to suffer and die for us because of the reality of original sin and actual sin in the world.
Secularists all deny original sin. They say that evil comes from outside human beings. Only Christians
recognize that we are defective. We need salvation. Because of the consequences of original sin in the
world, we need to follow the example of our Lord and Savior and pay the cost of discipleship (See John
15:13 and the crucifix).
8. Why is following Jesus worth it? In addition to pleasing God and gaining salvation in heaven, sinful,
worldly philosophies and ways of life lead to misery and exploitation. Let us follow the thought of
Matthew Kelly in Rediscover Catholicism in Chapter Two, The Prevailing Philosophy. Not only does Kelly
identify three destructive prevailing philosophies in this chapter, he also identifies destructive lifestyles
that flow out of these philosophies. We must serve Jesus in the world to avoid the destructive
consequences of sin.
9. I invite all of us to evaluate if Kelly is correct in identifying these philosophies and if he correct in
identifying the destructive life-styles that flow from them. Let us remember St. Paul in Romans 12:1-2:
“I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the
renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and
perfect.”
10. Kelly identifies Individualism, Hedonism and Minimalism as the three prevailing philosophies.
11. Individualism: Individualism focuses on “What’s in it for me.” It is based on an all-consuming concern
for self. Kelly says that “individualism” always weakens the community and causes the whole to suffer.”
Fruits: Kelly says that the fruits of individualism are “greed, selfishness, and exploitation.” Do you
believe he is correct? What kind of society and what kind of life do these produce?
12. Hedonism: Hedonism “asserts that pleasure is the supreme good… Hedonism is the philosophy that
emphasizes pleasure as the ultimate goal of life. The motto of the hedonist is, “If it feels good, do it.”
Fruits: “Whenever hedonism has emerged as a dominant practical philosophy… it produced men and
women who were lazy, lustful and gluttonous.” It destroys its people and its culture.
13. Minimalism: The creed of minimalism is, “What is the least I can do? A minimalist is always seeking
to exert the minimum effort and receive the maximum reward.” “What is the least I can do and still keep
my marriage alive? What is the least I can do and still get to Heaven?”
Fruits: Minimalism is the enemy of excellence and the father of mediocrity.
14. Kelly further asserts that “It is within the philosophical realms of individualism, hedonism, and
minimalism that most people make the majority of their decisions every day.” “Individualism, hedonism,
and minimalism will destroy every individual and community that practices them. They are ultimately
self-destructive philosophies that destroy body, heart, mind, and soul…”
15. Thought determines action. It would not be too soon for us to learn that ideas have very real
consequences. I invite us to use these categories to evaluate our own decisions, to inform our
examination of conscience, and to share with others to lead them to God, not to the standards of this
world.
16. Compare these philosophies to those of Jesus. Which is really true? Where do you want to be?
17. Why is it worth it? There are two levels of benefits, in this life and in the life to come.
18. Benefits in eternal terms - Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father but by me." The Way of the Cross is the way of life that the Son of God has revealed to us! In
Mark 8:34,
"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever
wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save
it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life..."
19. Benefits in this life.
It is worth doing things Jesus's way, the hard way, the narrow gate, because it is also the path to long
term maturity and success in this world, life with both blessings and prosperity.
Suffering (deferred gratification) is the way of maturity and success.
The story of a young man becoming a doctor. “If I had not come back to my Catholic faith in the
university,
I would never have become a doctor.”
The example from David Goleman's Emotional Intelligence (pp. 80-82).
20. Conclusion. The Way of the Lord Jesus is the way of happiness, fulfillment and success but it is costly.
In the midst of the sufferings and the struggles, God will give us the peace and joy that the world cannot
give.
21. Discussion questions for reflection or for the family.
1. Why would Jesus tell us about the high cost of discipleship? In getting rid of possessions, Jesus was a
10 on a scale of 1 to 10. Where do you think you fit? Do you want to move your number up a little
higher? How?
2. Is following Jesus a one-time choice or do you have to make it daily? Which would you rather have, all
the possessions you could ever want without Christ or Christ and no possessions? Think about it. Can
you name some people who lived/live in Christ and possessed nothing?
3. How do you see the world? Do you believe that all have been corrupted by original sin and that sin
must battled with every day? Does this show us why life cannot be easy as we struggle against the sin
within us as well as the sin and disorder around us in the world?
4. Why is the daily journey of Christian discipleship worth it? Are the benefits in this life or the benefits
in the life to come more important or more attractive to you? Why?