Readings: Philippians 2:12-18, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, Luke 14:25-33
“Which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying: ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’” (Luke 14:28-30)
With adequate preparation, we are guaranteed success in any venture. One who fails to plan plans to fail. Before beginning that plan, make sure you have the end in mind. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus warns us against the error of failing to finish well.
- In his book, “The 48 Laws of Power”, Robert Greene proposes three laws in tandem with Jesus’ teaching. 1) Law 15: Crush your enemy totally. Who is this enemy? The devil. Do you want to fight him? Then, be prepared to fight to the end. Never give up because he won’t give up. Avoid loose ends. Leave nothing to chance. Put on the whole armour of Christ.
- 2) Law 29: Plan all the way to the end. No building engineer goes to the site when the architect has not finished the design. You will never get there if you cannot see the end (if you have no vision or clear picture of where you are going). Faith is having a map, and the reward of sustained faith is reaching your destination.
- 3) Law 35: Master the art of timing. Jesus asked: “Who would start a building without first estimating the cost?” Before starting any project, ask: “Is this the right time? Have I saved enough? Am I ready to face the trouble from building contractors, vendors, workmen, local touts (agberos) and government officials?” This law brings us to the question Jesus wants us to ponder: “Am I ready to pay the price to achieve my goal of getting to heaven?”
- There are generally three phases of any venture (marriage, business, academics, career development, etc). 1) Excitement Phase: The beginning (honeymoon) is pleasurable. It is a phase of small wins. For instance, you start a new business, and your first job earns you more money than you ever dreamt. This is a small win, but it looks big to you. Assuming you have arrived, you splash it all on friends and parties instead of re-investing (saving for the rainy days).
- 2) Sacrificial Phase. This is the longest and driest phase. This is where we pay the price in sorrow, tears and blood. Nothing seems to be happening in this phase, and the desire to quit is highest. This is where many Christians give up, businesses fold, and marriages break. Resist the urge to quit. The fact that you cannot see any light doesn’t mean there is no light at the end.
- 3) Harvest Phase: This is the last and sweetest phase. This is where we exchange our crosses for crowns. This is the phase of big wins and is impossible to reverse. After 60 years of marriage, some couples become inseparable, their love unshakable. The harvest phase for Christians is heaven, the perfect unity with God.
- You may have been born into a Christian home, received baptism as an infant, attended a missionary school, etc., but you must carry your cross to remain a Christian. God must be first. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father or mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
- If being a Christian does not inconvenience you, you are not behaving like Christ. If it does, silently carry your cross. St. Paul tells us in today’s first reading: “Do all things without grumbling or questioning that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish amid a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Phil. 2:14-15).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, as we take up our crosses daily, grant us the grace of final perseverance. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 31 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Philippians 2:12-18, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, Luke 14:25-33).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu