This Sunday Luke 14: 25-27 can also be found in Matthew 10: 37-38, however, Luke 14: 28-31 is unique. Again, this material can be seen as relevant to Theophilus and his community. The verses proper to Luke warn: "This fellow began to build and was not able to finish" (Lk 14: 30) and "So, therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions." (Lk 14: 33) Nevertheless, since it is a living Word, we need to apply it to ourselves: What am I building? What am I doing with my possessions? Fortunately, the Gospel also provides wise counsel: "... first sit down and estimate the cost to see whether he has enough to complete it" (Lk 14: 28) and "... sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand." (Lk 14: 31) Take time, sit down, and reflect on your life. It will soon be apparent that whatever you do or have is insufficient. Jesus puts it this way: "For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life." (Mk 8: 35-36) The key lies in prioritizing spiritual realities: "For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal." (2 Cor 4: 17-18) It is certain that I cannot take my possessions with me when I die so: "Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Lk 12: 33-34)
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