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Like Mother Teresa, be a carrier of God’s love

Based on Wis 9:13-18b, Phlm 9-10, 12-17, Lk 14:25-33

This Sunday’s readings highlight discipleship.

In the Gospel, Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. To the great crowds following him, Jesus teaches that following him involves more than feelings, whims or being “groupies.”

He really isn’t saying we should hate anyone. Jesus commands us to honor our parents and to love one another. Jesus is simply saying he has to be first in our lives.

Jesus also explains the costly requirements to be one of his disciples. He gives two examples of a wise builder and a warring king and how necessary it is to think about the cost before going ahead with any plans or projects.

Today, Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata will be canonized a saint by Pope Francis. St. Teresa of Kolkata certainly showed the determination that clearly marks every disciple of Jesus. She once said, “The first step to becoming holy is to will it.”

When we were baptized, we were given a share in the life of God and set apart as people of God to do his work. From that moment, and with the help of sacramental grace, we were chosen to bring Jesus and his love to others.

Jesus’ call to discipleship is demanding. He wants us to think carefully about the total commitment and sacrifice it requires, and our willingness to put our relationship with him before everything else.

Mother Teresa taught, “It is very difficult to give Jesus to the people unless we have Jesus in our hearts. We all should become the carriers of God’s love. But to do this, we must deepen our life of love and prayer and sacrifice.”

That means studying and learning about Jesus by following church teaching, reading the Scriptures, the catechism and lives of the saints; keeping the Commandments; praying; spending time in eucharistic adoration; going to Mass; receiving the sacraments, especially Communion and reconciliation; and loving God and others by practicing kindness, forgiveness and generosity.

As Mother Teresa said, “My prayer for you is that you answer Jesus’ call to you with the simple word, ‘Yes.’”