23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday September 10, 2028
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy. He asks for more than quick prayers or kind words. He calls us to put him first, even before family or friends. That can be hard to hear. But Jesus wants us to know what we’re saying yes to. He wants us to think carefully and choose with open eyes.
In the Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus says we must carry our cross. He uses examples like building a tower or planning a battle. These things take thought and care. Faith is like that too. It takes real commitment. It asks for trust and strength.
The other readings help us understand why we need God’s help. Wisdom says we can’t know God’s ways on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us. Psalm 90 reminds us that life is short. We should use our days wisely. Paul’s letter shows us what love looks like in action. He doesn’t just talk about Christ. He lives it by sending Onesimus back in love.
Mass Readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- First Reading – Wisdom 9:13-18B: Understanding God’s intentions is beyond human capacity without divine wisdom and the Holy Spirit, as earthly concerns often cloud our judgment.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: God, timeless and eternal, teaches us to value our days and seeks our return to righteousness, offering mercy and favor throughout our fleeting lives.
- Second Reading – Philemon 9-10, 12-17: Paul, imprisoned, sends Onesimus back to Philemon, not as a slave but as a beloved brother, urging Philemon to welcome him as he would Paul himself.
- Gospel – Luke 14:25-33: Jesus teaches that following him requires prioritizing him above all personal relationships and possessions, emphasizing the need to consider the sacrifices involved, much like planning a construction or a battle.
The readings above are for lectionary year C. For other years see the links below:
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
In the same way, anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33
Themes for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C calls us to reflect on discipleship and the wisdom needed to follow Christ. The readings challenge us to choose Jesus above everything else and to rely on God for understanding.
- The cost of discipleship: Jesus reminds us that following Him requires sacrifice. We must be willing to put Him above all else, even when it is difficult.
- God’s wisdom over human understanding: The first reading shows that God’s wisdom is greater than ours. We need His guidance to make the right choices in life.
- Detachment from possessions: The Gospel challenges us to let go of material things. True discipleship means not being controlled by wealth or possessions.
- Carrying the cross: Jesus speaks about the need to carry our crosses. This means accepting struggles and hardships with trust in Him.
- Welcoming others as family: In the second reading, Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother. This reminds us that we are all part of God’s family.
- Counting the cost: The Gospel asks us to think carefully before following Jesus. Discipleship requires commitment and planning for the challenges ahead.
The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C helps us reflect on what it means to truly follow Jesus. The readings invite us to trust God’s wisdom and let go of anything that keeps us from Him.
Resources for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Counting the Cost Lesson Plan
On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Gospel from Luke 14:25-33 reminds us that following Jesus requires commitment. Jesus tells His followers to count the cost, just like someone building a tower or a king preparing for battle. He wants us to understand that being His disciple is not always easy.
We must be willing to put God first, even when it means making sacrifices. This Gospel challenges us to think about what we are truly living for and if we are ready to follow Jesus with our whole hearts. The Counting the Cost lesson plan helps youth reflect on this message in a real way.
Through discussion and activities, they will explore the struggles of staying faithful, such as peer pressure and distractions. They will also learn how prayer, Scripture, and the support of others can help them stay strong. This lesson encourages youth to prepare for the challenges of discipleship and trust that Jesus will always be with them.
The Book of Wisdom: Wisdom That Comes From God
The Book of Wisdom often contrasts human thinking with God’s perfect wisdom. This passage reminds us that people struggle to know God’s plan because we are weighed down by worldly concerns. It reflects the book’s theme that true understanding comes only from God, who grants wisdom through His Spirit.
For the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this reminds us that we need God’s guidance to live rightly. Wisdom shows that our own reasoning is weak when separated from Him. This book encourages trust in God’s wisdom as the path to righteousness.
Read more about the Book of Wisdom
Psalm 90: Teach Us to Number Our Days
Psalm 90 praises God as eternal and unchanging, a theme found throughout the psalm. It contrasts God’s eternity with the shortness of human life, urging us to live wisely and return to Him. It reflects the psalm’s call to humility before God’s greatness.
On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this psalm fits with the theme of seeking God’s wisdom. It asks for mercy and guidance so our brief lives may be meaningful. It shows that true joy comes from living in God’s favor.
The Letter to Philemon: A New Kind of Brotherhood
Paul’s letter to Philemon is centered on Christian love and unity. By sending Onesimus back as a brother, Paul calls Philemon to look beyond social norms. This reflects the letter’s theme that faith in Christ changes relationships, making all equal in God’s family.
For the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this reading points to living faith in action. Paul challenges believers to see others with Christ’s eyes, not through human status. It is a message of reconciliation and shared dignity in the Lord.
The Gospel of Luke: The Cost of Discipleship
Luke’s Gospel often highlights the demands of following Jesus. Here, Jesus warns that discipleship requires giving Him first place in life. This fits Luke’s theme of radical commitment, where possessions and family ties cannot come before the kingdom of God.
On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this passage urges careful reflection. Like planning a building or battle, we must know the cost of true discipleship. Luke shows that salvation is free but following Jesus asks for total surrender.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- Two Questions (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Are You Ready for Serious Discipleship? (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Give It Up (Order of Preachers)
- How Expensive is Your Faith? (Dynamic Catholic)
- Building with Christ (USCCB)
- The Fair-Weather Fans of Jesus (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Do I Need to Hate Mom and Dad? (Jeff Cavins)
- Following or Not? (USCCB)
- Counting the Cost (Scott Hahn)
Two Questions
Many people stay fans of Jesus, cheering when it costs nothing. In Luke 14, Jesus invites us to be disciples who put him first and count the cost. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that “hate” means every bond, even family and possessions, must be second to Christ, because only God has the right to claim everything.
Belief alone is not enough; faith must become trust that acts. A disciple follows so closely he is covered with the rabbi’s dust. Jesus asks for everything, and the honest answer to “Can I afford it?” may be “I don’t know.” Yet if the invitation stirs 80% excitement and 20% fear, move. Start loving, start following, and let grace finish the work. On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the call is clear: begin, because we cannot afford not to love.
Are You Ready for Serious Discipleship?
Bishop Barron reflects on the challenge Jesus gives in Luke 14, where he calls his followers to place God above even the most important human relationships. Family ties, possessions, and even life itself cannot take the first place. Only God is the supreme good. This hard teaching shows that discipleship requires real sacrifice and cannot be reduced to a comfortable or low-level spirituality.
He explains that pride often twists even good things like family, power, or honor into ultimate goods, which makes them spiritually toxic. To follow Christ, we must reject these distortions and take up the cross, which strips away false priorities. On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Barron urges us not to soften Jesus’ words but to face them as a serious call. Discipleship is not easy, but it demands giving God first place in every part of life.
Give It Up
Ruth Anne Henderson reflects on how Luke’s Gospel challenges us to let go of everything that stands between us and God. Jesus uses strong language to shake us from comfort, warning that possessions, family ties, and even our attachment to life can become obstacles if they take first place over God. This is not a call to reject loved ones or life itself, but an invitation to deep detachment, where nothing prevents us from following Christ with freedom and trust.
She points to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as an example of living this call. Despite family disapproval, he gave away his wealth to help the poor and chose a career that allowed him to serve those who worked in harsh conditions. His life reflected the Beatitudes, showing mercy and hunger for righteousness. On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Ruth Anne Henderson reminds us that true discipleship demands sacrifice but promises eternal reward.
How Expensive is Your Faith?
Matthew Kelly reflects on the cost of discipleship, reminding us that faith without sacrifice is empty. Jesus tells us that anyone who does not carry the cross cannot be his disciple. Each person has a cross, whether visible to many or known only to God. The challenge is to recognize it, name it, and bring it before Jesus. Often we look at our cross with selfishness, resentment, or avoidance, forgetting that turning away from the cross is also turning away from God.
He explains that the cross is not a mistake or a punishment but part of God’s plan for our growth. We are not asked to fix or escape it but to carry it with trust. By seeing the cross as the solution rather than the problem, we discover its true meaning. On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Matthew Kelly calls us to embrace the cross with courage and faith.
Building with Christ
Fr. Greg Friedman reflects on how Jesus may have drawn from his experience as a craftsman’s son to speak about building wisely. Just as a builder must plan carefully to complete a project, disciples must consider the real cost of following Christ. This means placing God above everything, even family, and carrying the cross as part of the journey. These strong words are not meant to reject loved ones but to remind us that God must come first if our lives are to be rightly ordered.
Fr. Friedman explains that Jesus also warns against clinging to possessions, which can weigh us down and distract us from God’s call. On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are reminded that discipleship requires reordered priorities, self-sacrifice, and freedom from excess. Those willing to bear these costs become true builders of God’s kingdom and part of Christ’s team of followers.
The Fair-Weather Fans of Jesus
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, emphasizing the cost of discipleship. He explains that Jesus challenges the crowds who followed Him as a popular figure by making bold demands. Jesus teaches that He must come before family, possessions, and even our own lives. This is not about hating others but about loving Christ above all else.
Bishop Barron points out that Jesus’ words show His identity as the supreme good—God Himself. Following Jesus requires a total shift in priorities, where everything revolves around Him. Discipleship involves carrying our cross, which means letting go of selfishness and personal plans. Bishop Barron encourages us to take Jesus’ words seriously and reflect on whether we are truly putting Him at the center of our lives.
Do I Need to Hate Mom and Dad?
In his reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jeff Cavins explains Jesus’ challenging words about “hating” family and even our own lives. He clarifies that Jesus uses hyperbole to stress the need for total commitment to Him. Following Jesus means putting Him first above all else, including relationships, possessions, and personal plans. This level of dedication is not optional—discipleship requires being “all in.”
Following or Not?
In his reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Fr. Greg Friedman compares failed projects, like Cincinnati’s unfinished subway, to the journey of discipleship. Jesus cautions those who merely travel alongside Him that following Him requires a deeper commitment. Using examples of a builder and a military leader, Jesus warns that embarking on discipleship demands careful consideration and readiness to see it through, even when it’s difficult.
Fr. Friedman highlights Jesus’ teaching about carrying our cross and renouncing possessions. True discipleship means letting go of anything that holds us back and making Christ our top priority. Even the exaggerated language about “hating” family is a call to reexamine our relationships and priorities. The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C challenges us to follow Jesus fully, with commitment and trust in Him above all else.
Counting the Cost
In his reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Scott Hahn explains that Jesus calls everyone, not just the Twelve, to fully commit to following Him. Jesus’ stark language about “hating” family and renouncing possessions is a challenge to let go of anything that keeps us from putting Him first. Discipleship requires sacrifice, choosing Christ above all else, and trusting in His saving wisdom to guide us on the path to eternal life.
Hahn also highlights that Jesus Himself paid the price to free us from sin and give us new life. Like Onesimus in the second reading, we have been redeemed and made part of God’s family. No longer slaves to the burdens of this world, we are called to live in the light of Christ, filled with His kindness and wisdom. The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to number our days and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to reflect deeply on what it means to follow Jesus. The readings challenge us to rely on God’s wisdom, welcome others with love, and consider the cost of discipleship. Each message calls us to grow in trust, commitment, and love for God and others.
God’s Wisdom Over Human Understanding
The first reading for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us how limited our human understanding is. It tells us that we often cannot see the bigger picture or fully grasp what God has planned for us. Without His wisdom, we are like people trying to find their way in the dark.
This reading encourages us to turn to God for guidance in our lives. Instead of relying only on what we know or understand, we need to pray for His wisdom. When we face important decisions or challenges, we should ask for His help, trusting that He knows what is best for us.
We are reminded that God’s ways are higher than ours. His wisdom helps us see beyond our own fears and desires. Trusting Him can lead us to choices that bring real peace and meaning. As we reflect on this reading, we can ask ourselves if we are truly listening to God or if we rely too much on our own judgment.
Welcoming Others as Family
In the second reading for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother in Christ. Onesimus was once a servant, but Paul encourages Philemon to see him differently now. This is a reminder that faith changes how we see and treat others.
When we follow Christ, we are part of one family. This means that no matter someone’s background, race, or status, they are our brother or sister. Welcoming others into our lives with kindness and love reflects the way God welcomes us.
This reading challenges us to think about how we treat the people around us. Are there people we avoid or judge because they seem different? Christ calls us to go beyond those barriers and to see each person as a child of God. This kind of love can heal divisions and create stronger communities.
The Cost of Discipleship
The Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C gives us a tough message about following Jesus. He tells us that discipleship means sacrifice. Carrying a cross was a shocking and painful image for the people of His time, but Jesus used it to show the seriousness of following Him.
Jesus is not telling us to literally hate our family or possessions. He is saying that nothing can come before Him—not our family, wealth, or comfort. If we love anything more than Him, we cannot fully follow His path. This is a hard teaching, but it is a call to be completely committed to God.
Discipleship is not about living life as usual. It is about making choices that put Jesus first, even when it costs us something. We are challenged to think about what we might be clinging to that keeps us from fully following Him. If we are not ready to make sacrifices, we risk starting something we cannot finish.
This Gospel asks us to reflect deeply on our priorities. Are we truly committed to the path of Christ, or are we holding back? Jesus invites us to trust Him and to let go of anything that keeps us from walking fully in His way.
These reflections help us think about how we can live out the teachings of this Sunday’s readings. By turning to God’s wisdom, treating others as part of His family, and making sacrifices to follow Jesus, we can walk more faithfully on the path of discipleship.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust Your wisdom above our own understanding. Teach us to welcome others with love and to see them as part of Your family. Give us the courage to follow You, even when it means making sacrifices. May we always put You first in our lives. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- What areas of your life do you need to entrust more fully to God’s wisdom?
- How can you welcome others as part of God’s family in your daily life?
- What sacrifices might God be asking you to make to follow Him more fully?
- Are there things in your life that you love more than Jesus? How can you change this?
- How does the first reading challenge you to seek God’s wisdom in your decisions?
- What does it mean to carry your cross in your daily life?
- How does putting Jesus first affect your relationships with family and friends?
- What might you need to give up to follow Jesus without hesitation?
- How can you show others that they are loved as part of God’s family?
- Do you sometimes rely too much on your own understanding instead of asking for God’s guidance?
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Images for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The Ladder to Commitment
Looking for artwork to highlight the message of the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C? This vivid image of a tower under construction is perfect for church bulletins, newsletters, or digital reflections. It captures the Gospel theme of counting the cost before building. Download it today and use it freely in your parish or ministry setting.
Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.
Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Music Suggestions for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
These music selections reflect the themes of the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C by focusing on discipleship, trust in God, and the call to follow Jesus. Some songs highlight the cost of following Christ, encouraging us to let go of attachments and commit fully to His path. Others inspire us to seek God’s wisdom, welcome others as part of His family, and remain faithful even when faced with challenges. The music varies from reflective and prayerful to uplifting and encouraging, supporting the call to walk with Jesus in every part of life.
- Be Thou My Vision by David Arkenstone & Kathleen Fisher
- Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
- Come, Follow Me by Gael Berberick, Barney Walker, & Kevin Keil
- I Am Yours – Consume Me Completely by Trevor Thomson
- Glorify Him by Your Life by Lorraine Hess
- I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin
- In Christ There Is No East or West by Mavis Staples
- In Every Age by Janèt Sullivan Whitaker
- In Every Age, O Lord – Psalm 90 by Craig Colson & Kristen Colson
- I Will Choose Christ by Tom Booth
- King of My Heart by John Mark McMillan and Sarah McMillan
- Lay It Down by Matt Maher
- Lord, Reign in Me by Brenton Brown
- O God, for You I Long by Bernadette Farrell & St. Thomas More Group
- O God, Our Help in Ages Past by Amy Nobles
- Psalm 90: In Every Age, O Lord by Bob Hurd
- Revive Us, O God by Jesse Manibusan
- Take My Life by Passion
- The Summons by John L Bell
- Unless a Grain of Wheat by Bernadette Farrell
- We Belong To You by Trevor Thomson
- We Walk by Faith by by Marty Haugen
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections for their liturgies and consider how they connect with the message of the readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. Share your own song suggestions or experiences with these themes in the comments. Your input can help others enrich their worship with meaningful and inspiring music.
Questions and Answers for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
What does the first reading teach us?
The first reading for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that human wisdom alone is not enough. We need God’s guidance to understand His will and make good decisions.
How does the second reading teach about relationships?
The second reading for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C shows how faith changes the way we treat others. Paul’s message about Onesimus teaches us to welcome and love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Why does the Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C talk about planning?
Jesus talks about counting the cost of discipleship to help us understand its seriousness. Just as someone plans before building, we should prepare for the sacrifices of following Him.
Why does Jesus talk about hating family?
Jesus uses strong words in the Gospel to show how important it is to put Him first. He is not asking us to reject our family but to make sure our love for Him comes before all else.
What does it mean to carry our cross?
Carrying the cross means accepting life’s struggles and trusting God in difficult times. It shows that discipleship is about staying faithful even when the path is hard.
How can we let go of possessions?
The Gospel challenges us not to let material things control us. We can do this by being generous, trusting God, and focusing on what truly matters in life.
Why is wisdom important in these readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The readings show that we cannot fully understand God’s ways on our own. They teach us to seek His wisdom and rely on Him for guidance in our decisions.
What does discipleship mean in these readings?
The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches that discipleship means putting Jesus first and being ready to follow Him no matter the cost. It involves trust, sacrifice, and a faithful commitment to His path.
How can we live as part of God’s family?
The second reading calls us to see others as part of God’s family. We can live this out by showing love, forgiveness, and kindness in our relationships.
Discipleship Requires Commitment
The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on the cost of following Jesus. The readings remind us that discipleship is not easy. We are called to put God above everything, even our family, possessions, and comforts. Jesus asks for total commitment, which can be challenging but leads us closer to Him.
The first reading teaches that human wisdom is limited. It reminds us to rely on God’s guidance to know what is right. We need His help to make good decisions and to understand what it means to live as His followers.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses strong words to show that following Him takes sacrifice. We must carry our cross, which means accepting hardships and putting Him first. He also warns us to count the cost of being His disciple, comparing it to someone planning a building or preparing for battle.
The second reading highlights love and forgiveness. Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother in Christ. This reminds us that faith should change how we treat others, making us more loving and inclusive.
The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to think about our priorities. It challenges us to trust God more and to let go of anything that pulls us away from Him.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. Ask yourself what it means to follow Jesus in your daily life.
Consider how these lessons apply to you. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below. Your reflection might encourage others on their journey of faith.