The Cost of Discipleship

June 30, 2025 Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Genesis 18: 16-33; Matthew 8: 18-22

First Martyrs of the Church

Both readings today reflect themes of faith, commitment, and God’s justice.                        They challenge us to deeper earnestness in our relationship with God to stand for others in prayer like Abraham, and to stand with Christ at any cost.

The first reading tells of how Abraham stands before God and boldly pleads for mercy, gradually negotiating from fifty righteous people down to ten. He engages in dialogue rooted in deep compassion. Is this not a model of intercessory prayer? True righteousness involves interceding for others with persistence and humility, trusting in God’s justice while appealing to His mercy. Like Abraham, we are called to be bridges between God and the people. God's willingness to spare the city for the sake of even a few reminds us that His justice is never devoid of compassion.                                                                                                                                     

Am I willing to plead with God for those who may seem far from His grace?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls for wholehearted commitment, without excuses or conditions. To the enthusiastic scribe who wants to follow Him, Jesus replies that He has “nowhere to lay His head.” Discipleship demands radical detachment, even from comfort and security.

“Let the dead bury their dead” is another striking statement. Jesus is calling for a radical prioritization of God’s call, even above sacred duties like burying the dead.                                 

Are you truly willing to leave behind what the world deems important in order to walk with Christ?

Today, the Church commemorates the Feast of the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. These innocent victims of Emperor Nero’s brutal persecution were falsely blamed for the burning of the city. They were crucified, burned as torches to light his palace, and torn apart by beasts. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church,” exclaims Tertullian. These martyrs were unnamed—ordinary men, women, and children—whose stories are largely lost to history. But Nero’s persecution continues in many forms even today.
 

What is your response to it?                                                                                                       Can we echo the words of St. Paul: “Neither death nor life… can separate me from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39)?

Call to Action: 

• Are you ready to leave your comfort zones and follow Jesus?
• Where is God asking you to witness boldly—at your workplace, in your family?