We have to remember that we have a call to follow Jesus

Good morning, happy Wednesday, and many blessings.

Today’s Gospel Luke 9:57-62) is about three people say they will follow Jesus.

This passage is all about following. The key word is a familiar one, "follow, accompany, follow as disciple." One question I'd like you to ponder: Can a person be a Christian without being a follower of Jesus? Look at these encounters Jesus had with these three disciples. They will help us to ready our hearts for the ministries Jesus has for us.

The first encounter is challenging the comfortable disciple: And as they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus ripped away the romanticism of what it meant to be with Him. He did not simply say wonderful. Although caught up in his euphoria, Jesus breaks in with an amazing statement about His life. “And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Luke 9:58).Jesus was trying to help this follower understand that though it is nice to be together, share God’s love, see His power, there are rough parts to carrying out God’s will.

The second encounter is challenging the convenient disciple: “And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Permit me first to go and bury my father.” Jesus wants to us to know that the one willing to follow him does not say, “I have this to do today, but tomorrow I can help you.” If you follow, then you go where Jesus goes. This man wanted to be a convenient follower. Convenient followers are not followers at all because they will only accompany Jesus when it is convenient for their schedules. Jesus challenged him to set his priorities in place.

And the third encounter is challenging the distracted disciple: “And another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” Jesus challenges the distracted disciple. Stay focused. Be committed. Find out what is so important and stay with it. Jesus did not accept his response either. “Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”” What is happening here? It appears (from Jesus’ response to him) that this disciple would allow little things to distract him. 

We have a calling to follow Jesus. Following Jesus is a life call. It is the call to each one of us that names the Name of Jesus. We must not let comforts, convenience or our choices distract us from our devotion to Jesus. Most of us do not know what it means to follow Jesus. Once we do, then our whole lives will change and those around us will want to know more about Jesus. Without this life commitment, you stand at odds with Jesus. You are an idolater. You do not really love Jesus as the Lord but like Him only as a friend to come to when you have a need.

Do you tend to make bargains with those in authority over you? If so, you probably are one of these convenient disciples. These kinds of disciples are not worth much. They are not there when you need them. They give Jesus the leftovers of their lives.

Blessings

 Fr. Luis+