Faith Today

November 4, 2026

Counting the Cost of Faithfulness

“No one who does not carry his cross and come after me can be my disciple.”
Luke 14:27

Today's Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters, the call to give Ukraine 'all means needed to defend' reflects the Gospel challenge to count the cost and commit fully to defending what is good and right, even when sacrifice is required. Just as discipleship demands letting go of our own security, so too does standing in solidarity with those who are vulnerable require real and sometimes difficult action. We are reminded that faith in action means choosing the hard and courageous path for the sake of others.

Coping

Today's readings remind us that enduring difficult times means facing our struggles honestly, bringing our fears and uncertainties to God, and trusting that He gives us the strength to persevere, even when the path is costly or unclear.

Family

Jesus' words about 'hating' even our closest loved ones may seem harsh, but they challenge us to put God first; when our relationship with Him is our compass, we are better able to love and serve our families with selfless, sacrificial care.

Community

Paul urges the community to live without grumbling, shining as bright stars in a troubled world; this calls us to be unwavering sources of hope and encouragement for those around us, especially when times are hard or uncertain.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Philippians 2:12-18

[12] So, my dear friends, you have always been obedient; your obedience must not be limited to times when I am present. Now that I am absent it must be more in evidence, so work out your salvation in fear and trembling. [13] It is God who, for his own generous purpose, gives you the intention and the powers to act. [14] Let your behaviour be free of murmuring and complaining [15] so that you remain faultless and pure, unspoilt children of God surrounded by a deceitful and underhand brood, shining out among them like bright stars in the world, [16] proffering to it the Word of life. Then I shall have reason to be proud on the Day of Christ, for it will not be for nothing that I have run the race and toiled so hard. [17] Indeed, even if my blood has to be poured as a libation over your sacrifice and the offering of your faith, then I shall be glad and join in your rejoicing- [18] and in the same way, you must be glad and join in my rejoicing.

Psalm · Psalms 27:1, 4, 13-14

[1] [Of David] Yahweh is my light and my salvation, whom should I fear? Yahweh is the fortress of my life, whom should I dread? [4] One thing I ask of Yahweh, one thing I seek: to dwell in Yahweh's house all the days of my life, to enjoy the sweetness of Yahweh, to seek out his temple. [13] This I believe: I shall see the goodness of Yahweh, in the land of the living. [14] Put your hope in Yahweh, be strong, let your heart be bold, put your hope in Yahweh.

Gospel · Luke 14:25-33

[25] Great crowds accompanied him on his way and he turned and spoke to them. [26] 'Anyone who comes to me without hating father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, cannot be my disciple. [27] No one who does not carry his cross and come after me can be my disciple. [28] 'And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? [29] Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, anyone who saw it would start making fun of him and saying, [30] "Here is someone who started to build and was unable to finish." [31] Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who was advancing against him with twenty thousand? [32] If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. [33] So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple without giving up all that he owns.