(Luke 14) Gospel of the second Mass of a martyr-bishop and of Saint Basil (June 14,). Christ bade the people to reflect that to follow Him required utter self-sacrifice, detachment from all earthly ties, and carrying the cross. To stress the seriousness of the choice He proposed a parable, taken from everyday life. Before a man proceeds to build, he ought to ascertain both the cost and his own financial standing, lest becoming insolvent before the building be completed he be made the butt of ridicule by his fellows. The literal meaning is: "Ere you decide to follow Me and become My disciples, reflect whether you are ready to bring the required sacrifices." This parable may be applied to the striving after perfection, and to the common Christian life, since both are building up towers of faith and character.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More