Christ Jesus, help me release all of my possessions so to follow you freely...

                 
Luke 14, 25 -33

We all know how material possessions weigh us down.  Not only do we need to spend time and energy purchasing ‘stuff’ , but each thing we purchase requires that know its purpose, and how to use it properly,  that we clean it and maintain it, and that we  store it - or display it, as the case may be, - ‘safely’ and appropriately.  The emotional and soul-full possessions we carry with us are much harder to identify. In this passage from Luke’s Gospel, Christ goes to great lengths to describe how we have to ‘hate’ our family members; take up the Cross and follow Him; be able to count the cost of discipleship; and take time to carefully prepare for our journey with Jesus. Each of these ‘hard sayings’  is a lead up to Jesus’ comment that  None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.”  These emotional and soul-full possessions –that  include sentimental family attachments, doing-what-we-want –to-when-we-want –to (the opposite of carrying the cross), and doffing all attachments that would hinder us in our project of following in the footsteps of Christ Jesus –are no less cumbersome and weighty than material possessions.  Jesus instructed his disciples then and we, his followers, now that we need to give up all our possessions.  Am I willing to give up all my possessions and release even the sentimental attachments to family – either those that are compassionate or those that are vengeful – and all of my passions and plans?  Christ Jesus, help me release all of my possessions so to follow you freely.
 
Happy are those who fear the Lord ... They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous... they have distributed freely.  (Psalm 112: 1,2,9)
 
Don’t spend your energies on things that generate worry, anxiety and anguish. Only one thing is necessary: Lift up your spirit and love God.
Saint Padre Pio  
 
Soli ad gloriam
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