If you prize something of great value and want to possess it, it’s natural to ask what it will cost you before you make a commitment to invest in it. Jesus was utterly honest and spared no words to tell his disciples that it would cost them dearly to be his disciples—it would cost them their whole lives and all they possessed in exchange for the new life and treasure of God’s kingdom. The Lord Jesus leaves no room for compromise or concession. We either give our lives over to him entirely or we keep them for ourselves. As St. Paul the Apostle reminds us, “We are not our own. We were bought with a price.” We were once slaves to sin and a kingdom of darkness and oppression, but we have now been purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ who has ransomed us from a life of darkness and destruction so we could enter his kingdom of light and truth. Christ has set us free to choose whom we will serve in this present life as well as in the age to come—God’s kingdom of light, truth, and goodness. We are always called for God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ words may sound radical: renounce all possessions. But He is not condemning material things themselves. Rather, He is teaching us about attachment. The danger is when possessions own us, rather than us owning them. A disciple is one who puts Christ first, above comfort, wealth, or even personal dreams.

Renouncing possessions doesn’t always mean selling everything and living in poverty—though some are called to that radical witness. For most of us, it means holding what we have with open hands, willing to let go if Christ asks. It means never clinging to wealth, status, or comfort in such a way that it keeps us from following Him fully. True freedom comes not from accumulating, but from trusting God enough to let go. When Christ is our greatest treasure, everything else falls into place.

A wealthy traveler once carried a heavy bag of gold on a long journey. At first, he was proud to have it, feeling secure. But as he walked, the bag slowed him down. He grew tired, hungry, and weary. Others on the road passed him with light steps while he struggled under the weight. Finally, he met a wise old man who asked, “Why do you carry such a heavy burden?” The traveler replied, “This is my security.” The old man smiled and said, “Your ‘security’ is what is making you weak. If you let go, your hands will be free to receive what truly matters.” Hesitant, the traveler finally set the bag down by the roadside. Immediately, he felt lighter, freer, able to move forward with joy. Only then did he realize the truth: he had been a slave to what he thought he owned.

Jesus invites us to travel light, so our hearts are free for Him. To renounce possessions is to say: “Lord, everything I have belongs to You. You are my true treasure.”

God Bless us all,

Fr. Charley