Philippians 2:12-18 / Luke 14:25-33
On a clear night sky, we may be able to see a few stars. Yet in other places (as in other countries) we may be able to see a night sky filled with stars.
But whether it is a few stars or a multitude of stars, we are usually mesmerised by them.
Some stars twinkle, some don't. Whatever it may be, stars give us a sense of mystery and songs have been composed about them, from nursery rhymes to ballads to pop.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul used the imagery of stars to refer to the Christians of Philippi.
He told them to "do all that has to be done without complaining or arguing and then you will be innocent and genuine, perfect children of God among a deceitful and underhand brood, and you will shine in the world like bright stars because you are offering it the word of life."
But as we know by now, stars shine because they burn themselves and give out light and heat.
Similarly, the Philippians were urged to make sacrifices and offerings to God so that they will continue to shine like stars.
In the gospel, Jesus said that any who does not carry his cross and come after Him cannot be His disciple.
In other words, we must be willing to deny ourselves and make love sacrifices and offerings for the salvation of the world.
Then we will shine like stars in the night sky and point to the mystery of God's love.