Readings: 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21; Gal. 5:1, 13-18; Lk. 9:51-62
A Call to Discipleship is Urgent and Immediate
1. The call to follow Christ must be answered with immediate urgency; no excuse is necessary. In the first reading, Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha, indicating that he was called to a higher office to take over from Elijah as a prophet. Elisha was not asked if he wanted to be a prophet. After all, he was a rich man who was contented with his means of livelihood. Nevertheless, Elisha saw the urgency of the call and only requested that he be allowed to settle his hired hands before reporting to his duty post. He broke from his past, left his wealth and family behind, and followed Elijah. Time was of the essence. In the Gospel, we see Jesus, who was determined to answer the ultimate call of his life. Christ did not waste time on frivolities or personal comfort, nor would he be distracted by social or inter-tribal sentiments. He was committed to his father's will. He journeyed to Jerusalem, where he would "lay down his life for his friends." While on the journey, Christ encountered four kinds of people who could have been his disciples but for their excuses. Their excuses prevented them from answering the call to discipleship. "He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." Aren't we all like that? We give excuses for everything instead of reasons to do what we should do!
2. The Samaritans allowed their hatred for the Jews to prevent Jesus from going through their village. They were blinded by past hurts, prejudices, and tribal and nationalistic inclinations. They found it difficult to forgive and let go of the past. We are not different from them, after all. We hold on to grudges and would rather die than forgive those who hurt us. We allow pettiness to dwarf our collective vision for humanity. Answering Christ's call should free us from all attachments and addictions. We must learn to let go so that God may transform us from within.
3. The sons of Zebedee, James, and John were offended because the Samaritans refused to grant them access to their town. They wanted Christ to call down fire from heaven on them (Lk. 9:54). No wonder Christ called them "Boanerges" or "Sons of Thunder." Jesus had no time for unrestrained anger that would have distracted him from his mission. How do we react when we do not have our way? Do we throw tantrums and threaten fire and brimstone on the object of our aggression? Do we refuse to listen to reason and insist on our way or the highway? Jesus shows us that there is always another way to solve problems. We don't have to resort to war or violence. He came to bring us peace and love, and love conquers a multitude of sins. Do not allow anger to distract you from your calling.
4. To the second group, Christ warned that his followers must depend solely on God. "Foxes have holes, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." Financial security should not prevent us from answering the call to discipleship. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33). The third group wanted to bury his father first before following Christ. Observing the fourth commandment, "honor your father and mother," is noteworthy. Still, it should not prevent us from following Christ. We cannot save discipleship till retirement, a deathbed conversion, or a plan we have down the road after the kids are grown. If we don't follow Jesus at the time of the invitation, we are not worthy of Him. How many of our excuses are really valid? If we do not make time for God, God's time will pass us by. Finally, the last would-be follower wanted to say goodbye to his family first. To him, Jesus answered, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Lk. 9:62). The call of Christ should always supersede family ties. "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of me." (Matt. 10:37).
5. Today's readings teach us not to place conditions on following Christ. We must find time for and be committed to him. Our readiness to follow Christ must be borne by absolute freedom from attachments. This inner freedom is the focus of our second reading. This freedom must be seen in all vocations in life. Christ freely undertook the journey to Jerusalem to save us from damnation. We must follow Christ in honesty and sincerity at all times. Christ will be first in our life or nothing. Let us pray with the Psalmist: "You are my inheritance, O Lord."
Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
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