‘‘For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost…?’’ (Lk 14:28)

If we read today’s Gospel literally, Jesus seems to demand the steepest and most far-reaching costs imaginable of his followers. He calls disciples to hate their most important relationships: father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters, and even themselves. Furthermore, he insists they must sell all they have, embrace the cross, and follow him on the path to Calvary. Notice that this call applies not only to some, but to anyone who would be a disciple.

The Church does not read this passage in a strictly literal sense. Some follow these words more radically—think of members of religious congregations and missionaries who forsake their families and possessions to follow Christ. Perhaps the most striking example is that of the martyrs, who, ‘hating’ their own lives, accept pain and suffering and embrace the cross.

Yet all who follow Christ must be willing to pay the price, even if more often these costs are mundane. Jesus invites us to count the cost. We often do this, at least implicitly. I could grow in my prayer life—but at what cost? There is this great series on Netflix! I could be more charitable with my money—but I would have to economise elsewhere. A father might hear the call to show more love to his wife and children, and they, in turn, to honour him—but this too demands something. The rewards, however, always outweigh the cost: deeper love, joy in family life, and the freedom of walking closely with Christ. With faith, then, let us pick up our cross as well, and follow him.