As we grow in the fuller life of the Spirit, we will experience the greater call by God to the total commitment of discipleship. The focal point of discipleship is the cross; the purpose of the cross is death; the fruit of the cross is resurrected life with Christ now and forever in glory. Paul came to this realization early on in his relationship with Jesus. Later, Paul came to the actualization of total discipleship after many trials and difficulties. At that point he was able to say: "I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is now my own; Christ is living in me. I still live my human life, but it is a life of faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himeself for me. I will not treat God's gracious gift as pointless" (Gal 2: 19-21).

In subsequent reflections, I would like to focus on two passages from Luke's Gospel account as we look at this call to discipleship which the Spirit gives us. Lk 9:57-62 and Lk 14:25-33. Read these in preparation for the reflections to come. In them we find certain conditions which are laid before us as we follow Christ and grow in the life of the Spirit.