Universal Utterings

for November 4, 2026

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11-04-2026 Luke 14 v2533 Whoever Does Not Carry His Own Cross

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The Gospel of Luke Ch 14 Verse 25 thru 33

25Great crowds were traveling with him, and he turned and addressed them,26l “If any one comes to me without hating his father* and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.m27Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.n28Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion?29Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him30and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’31Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops?32But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.33In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.

Today, I celebrate my birthday, a personal milestone that invites reflection and gratitude. As I reflect on this day, I find profound meaning in Luke 14:25-33, where Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship. In these verses, He challenges the crowd to consider the true nature of following Him. He emphasizes the necessity of making sacrifices, urging believers to "pick up their cross" and prioritize their relationship with Him above all else.

As I embrace another year of life, I am reminded that choosing to follow Christ is a daily commitment, not a one-time decision. In a world full of distractions and competing priorities, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the path laid before us. Yet, just as Jesus illustrated with the parables of the builder and the king, the call to discipleship requires intentionality and forethought. We must weigh our decisions carefully and recognize what truly matters.

Today, I reaffirm my dedication to following the only Christ who is simultaneously fully human and fully divine. This duality of His nature beautifully captures the essence of our faith. He understands our struggles, our joys, and our human experience while also offering a divine promise of redemption and hope.

On this birthday, I feel a renewed sense of purpose to carry my cross—acknowledging my trials, embracing the journey of faith, and serving others as Christ served us. I invite you all to reflect on your own walks of faith and consider how taking up your own cross can lead to a deeper understanding of love, grace, and community. May we all strive to come after Him with unwavering commitment. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,


Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins


†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®


Ephesians 6:17-20

11-04-2026 Luke 14 v2533

Whoever Does Not Carry His Own Cross

In Holy Scripture, wisdom shines bright, 

As Jesus spoke to the crowd in the light. 

"To follow Me," He began to declare, 

"Consider the cost and weigh it with care." 

Great multitudes gathered, they came near in throng, 

But His words cut deep, like a well-crafted song. 

“Whoever would follow must take up the cross, 

Self-denial is vital; it's worth any worldly loss.” 

“If you love father, mother, son, or daughter, 

More than your Savior, your faith will falter. 

For love must be total, undivided and true, 

A disciple is called to embrace what is new.” 

He told of the builder, who counted the cost, 

Before laying foundations, lest all be lost. 

And the king at war, must measure his might, 

To strategize wisely for a victorious fight. 

So, look to your heart, and ponder your choice, 

Will you follow in faith? Will you heed His voice? 

For to gain all the world means nothing at all, 

If the soul cannot stand when the Savior calls. 

So, take up your cross, and follow the Way, 

In the light of His love, let your heart never sway. 

For the path of discipleship, though narrow and tough, 

Leads to a treasure that’s more than enough. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

November 4, 2026 @ 04:33 AM EST

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