Renouncing Possessions

And there went great multitudes with him. And turning, he said to them:

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you having a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down, and reckon the charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish it: Lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, Saying: This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Or what king, about to go to make war against another king, doth not first sit down, and think whether he be able, with ten thousand, to meet him that, with twenty thousand, cometh against him? Or else, whilst the other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:25-33 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father how often we are at odds with our own parents, brothers, sisters, spouses and children, yet we strive to make our relationships with them right. Where we take steps to keep peace in our families and keep love alive in our lives. I know I have and at times we argue or don't agree on some things. How often I am sorry for any hurt I may cause another because of my own stupidity. I reach out and take steps to mend the hurt and ask you for forgiveness for not giving the love you gave me in return in those moments of injury. I can only try to build the relationship on stronger feelings of love, to care for each one and help them on their journey as you have done for me. If I was hurt I reach out in spite of the pain that was caused and tear down to build back up the broken friendship. How can I be yours then if I don't practice your love for all. How can I be yours when I hold the possessions that I have in my heart and place them before you. Oh dear Father, little does the world know that you are the one possession that is worth having in our hearts and renouncing the materials that the world provides frees us from holding onto what we own. There is no place in my heart for any possession of the material world for the longing in my heart belongs to you. I thank you most of all for keeping my heart free from longing for worldly possessions. I honor you all the days of my life for teaching me the value of love. Amen