In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. (Psalm 89).
This Gospel contains some very hard sayings of Jesus, especially when he bids us take up our cross and come after him. This is the cost of discipleship; feeling the pain of struggle and sacrifice, of small daily dyings to one’s own wishes and preference for the good of others.
We say that Benedictine spirituality is written on road signs. Bend. Yield. Give Way. The king with the smaller army has to yield to the king with the larger army and not take a reckless gamble. The man who could not complete his tower misjudged his resources and was forced to abandon his project – and endure the taunts of the onlookers.
Jesus wants and is worthy of all our love and, as we make him the centre of our lives, he gives us Himself in return. O marvelous exchange!
