November 5, 2025 // Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
Reflect on the Word //
The sight of bare rooms in my favorite home, the one that had most recently sheltered our family of seven, triggered a jumble of emotions. We’d faced tearful goodbyes, then packed a small trailer with the few possessions we hadn’t sold or donated. Now we were leaving our missionary community in Guatemala for temporary housing in Arizona. Schools, neighborhood, my husband’s employment, the church we’d attend—nothing was certain. We were leaving everything, including cherished beliefs we’d previously thought unshakeable. Jesus was the one hope we clung to. Surely He would guide us in discerning the devastating decision to become Catholic.
I find the call to discipleship alluring. What could be better than deeper communion with the Lover of my soul? Still, I’m frightened by Jesus’ unrelenting demands, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27) What, I wonder, will my cross require of me next? Dare I choose once more to die to self and let go of my own desire to know what lies ahead? Haven’t I already renounced all my possessions? (see Luke 14:33) I have, but He asks again. I now have more riches than before. Dare I trust Him again? Since He still desires me, maybe I’m not too old, irresponsible, or unfit to follow! In Him and with Him I dare to trust once more that the cross I carry today gives me access to the most intimate relationship possible with Him. My yes to His alluring call brings peace.
What in your life hinders access to the beauty in Christ’s call to discipleship? Are you attached to something or someone that keeps you stuck? Are you imprisoned in the past by chains of unforgiveness? Does fear of the future paralyze you? The cross He offers you makes you His disciple. Do you hear His alluring call? Your yes to the cross is your sure path to peace.
Relate to the Lord // How can you say yes to the cross today?
Lani Bogart was born in Hawaii and grew up in Ohio and Michigan. She was a small child when she began to love Jesus. She’s at home in Texas with her woodworker Deacon husband near their children and grandchildren, Lani is also an active spiritual director and trauma healing volunteer. You can read more at Lanibogart.blog
Lani Bogart nació en Hawaii y creció en Ohio y Michigan. Era una niña pequeña cuando empezó a amar a Jesús. Está en su casa en Texas con su esposo, un carpintero diácono, cerca de sus hijos y nietos. Lani también es una directora espiritual activa y voluntaria de curación de traumas. Puedes leer más en Lanibogart.blog
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