September 7, 2025・23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time ( C )

Wisdom 9.13-18・Psalm 90.3+5ab, 4+5c+6,11+12・Philemon 9-10,12-17・ Luke 14.25-33

In today`s readings, we are invited to dig deeper on the meaning of true Christian discipleship. There is a seemingly shocking guideline or requirement to be so (to be true disciple of Christ).  While we are being called to love our enemies, we are now being asked to hate members of family in order to be Christ`s disciple. On how, and in what context should we understand these words of Jesus indeed needs a lot of quiet time to ponder upon, and maybe sufficient discussions too among ourselves. A divine wisdom, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit are required just as our first reading today elaborates.

We can also depend on the Church` bible scholars on how today`s readings are being interpreted to meet the level of our knowing. We may start from understanding that most often our earthly concerns cloud our minds to really understand what in fact the Bible is telling us.

Without further ado, what Jesus is saying in today`s Gospel reading specifically, is that a true disciple recognizes that we all belong to one family, that we are all brothers and sisters to each other. We are being called to act justly to every member of our wider family.. And as for our immediate family, such as our parents, brothers and sisters in our respective homes, the disciple of Christ does not tolerate a harmful, unjust and unloving behavior of family members towards the so-called members of our wider family.  

We are called to love and respect our parents, and love our brothers and sisters in our respective homes. First of all, we pray for those who have become totally or maybe partly turned away or set apart from their own family for whatever reasons. It may be so sad to know from someone the he or she finds little love in home. We pray that they may be reunited with their respective family and find comfort from members of the wider family.

Today`s second reading speaks a little more about how love grows among members of the family through forgiveness and acceptance from the heart. May we continue to recognize that indeed charity/generosity starts from home. We are however reminded at the same time that charity does not end at home. Persons who we may have considered others to us must no longer be “others” to us. No more slaves among us, no more low class citizens, and low -rated race among humanity.