Today Luke's gospel picks up with Jesus headed for Jerusalem and the glory of the cross.  He notices a great crowd following him.  The Lord uses the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be his disciple.  Today, as in the past, there are many people who are willing to follow Jesus but only at a distance.  Genuine discipleship comes with a severe cost.  It means a total and complete transformation. 

            Jesus describes the cost by reminding us that no earthly relationship is as important as the relationship between Jesus and his disciple.  If we truly encounter the Lord and open our hearts to him, we will experience a relationship full of forgiveness, joy, love, service, and suffering. 

            Throughout history the great saints were ambassadors of Christ's forgiveness.  The records of their ministry contain the stories of sinners brought to the Lord, through their loving service. 

            One of the surest signs of Christ's presence in the lives of his saints was their joy.  With Christ as our Savior and friend, what adversity can overcome us?  Once we have experienced the love of the Lord, what is there to fear? 

            Those who have been loved by the Lord want to do everything in their power to share his love with others.  Every convert to Christ, every soul friend we make for the Lord, increases our experience of his love.  The more we give Christ to others, the more we belong to him.

            Finally the Lord reminds us that we must take up our cross and follow him.  In his own life Jesus taught us that the cross was not to be feared.  Suffering is a part of our life, whether we flee from it or embrace it with joy.  One of the great mysteries of our faith is the glory which comes through suffering.