Promises, Promises
We like to hear upbeat and reassuring visions for the future from our leaders and people we trust. Slogans like "Hope", "Make America Great Again", and "Build Back Better" win elections. Alternatively, "It's going to be a rough road ahead, who's with me?" would be a hard sell. The kinds of challenges Jesus issues in today's Gospel (Luke 14:25-33) would not garner him big approval ratings in any popularity polling. But as Fr. Garrett explains, their honesty is refreshing and even inviting to those who understand that mature Christian faith encompasses both the joys and trials of life. God is not in the business of pandering to us with empty promises that are only pleasing to the ear. Instead, God's relationship with humanity is grounded in honesty and the reliable promise that we can find our way in challenging times with God's guidance and wisdom.