Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 1, 2025

Date: Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Scripture Text:  Luke 9:57-62

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus answered him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."

And to another he said, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father." But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God."

And another said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home." Jesus answered him, "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Jesus’ responses in Luke’s gospel to would be disciples/followers surprise us. That is intentional. Jesus’ responses to the three point to the radical commitment needed to be a disciple, to the costs of discipleship, and to the priority of the Kingdom of God over our convenience or comfort.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I a truly committed disciple or do I make excuses?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You tell us that we must deny self, pick up our cross, and follow You. We desire to do just that. But You recognize our weaknesses. Send the Spirit to steel our resolve and to squelch our excuses. Grant that we may set down our desires and pick up our crosses. We ask this in your name, Jesus. Amen.