Wednesday, XXVI Week of Ordinary Time
(Luke 9:57-62)
Sometimes we have the luxury of making detailed preparations for a trip. At other times the opportunity to travel arises quickly and we must either grab it or lose it. Once a young man was with his family in Hawaii when he met a yachtsman about to set sail for Tahiti. The yachtsman invited the youth to be a crew member for the months-long trip. The latter decided to go although he had hardly enough time to pack. On his return, the young man could hardly express how wonderful an experience he had. Today we meet Jesus inviting others to an adventure of discipleship supremely wonderful although hardly pleasant.
The gospel passage begins by noting that Jesus is proceeding on his journey. He is on his way to Jerusalem where he will complete his mission of salvation. This fact explains the urgency of not having time to say “good-bye” to one’s family much less waiting for an elderly parent to die. It may be terrifying to think of accompanying someone to a brutal death. However, if that person is the sublimely gracious Lord, one can put fear aside to support him in his quest.
Jesus extends to us also the invitation to accompany him. To be sure we have time for our family. In fact, caring for the needs at home is part of our commitment to him. He does not intend for us to leave behind father, mother, wife or children so much as our ambitions, desires, and other ego compulsions. If we are in business, he will have us not track the bottom line so much as service to clients and care for employers. If we are in ministry, he will have us not count the accolades of bishops and rich patrons but our efforts to bring people to an awareness of the living God.
