Both the readings today speaks of one theme, that is "detachment" St. Paul says that it is God, for His own loving purpose who has put the will and action within us in order to work for our salvation. He goes on further to explain, in order to be God's perfect children we should go about our work without complaining or arguing. No hidden agenda but with genuine intentions.

On the other hand, Jesus tells us that, in order to be His disciples we are not only to detach ourselves from the material indulgence but also everything even our families, so as to carry our own crosses and follow Him. Therefore, first we need to get rid of all our attachments which have entangled and prevented us from growing more perfectly as God's children. This would give us a firm foundation for us to follow Christ .

Then again, attachments holds us back and make us lose sight of the purpose that God has for each one of us. Detachment, on the other hand, give us wings to soar high allowing us new insights into the will of God. Therefore, the challenge is not to sit in our comfort zones but rather to go forth as shining stars of Christ to the world.