Catholic Identity
Jake Wilkinson, Leader of Religious Education & Catholic Identity
Season of Creation Mass
10 students from the FIRE Carrier and Sustainability Leadership groups went to the Huntly Streamside reserve and participated in the Season of Creation mass. The students were joined by other catholic schools from the area. The students sang songs and received a candle and a small tree to take back to St Peter's.
All did a fantastic job.
Scripture: Luke 14:25–33
Scripture (NRSV):
Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For 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.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.’
Summary
A big crowd was following Jesus. He turned to them and told them that following him means putting him first—even more than family or life itself. He said disciples must be ready to carry their cross. Then he used two examples: building a tower and planning a war. Both need careful planning and should include all costs. Similarly, being Jesus’ disciple requires sacrifice, including letting go of possessions.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to “put Jesus first”—even ahead of things we really care about, like family or comfort?
- When Jesus says “carry your cross” what kind of challenges or sacrifices do you think he might mean for our lives today?
- Why is it important to “count the cost” before committing to something? How can we do that in our faith journey?
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Help me to follow You with my whole heart, even when it costs me something.
Teach me to carry my cross faithfully and to think carefully about what discipleship really means.
Let me trust in You, not in possessions or comfort, and help me walk with courage and love every day.
Amen.
