In today's Gospel reading, we see three persons coming forward with a lot of good will but Jesus makes them aware of what following him really means. The point that is being made to all three persons is the absoluteness, the unconditionally that is required in following Jesus. Being a follower of Jesus can never be a part-time affair. It is all or nothing. At the same time, the demands of love are always there. It is a matter each time of discerning where the truly loving act lies.

To follow Jesus fully one needs to be free, not to be tied down by anything and not to be anxious about having or not having things. The call of Jesus transcends the need of family, tradition and culture. Like Jesus himself turning his face towards Jerusalem and all that it means for him, once the decision has been made to serve God and his people, there can be no turning back.

Let us pray today for a high degree of freedom in being able to accept unconditionally God's will for us. To have that freedom is one of the greatest blessings and graces of our life.