Tuesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 9: 51-56
October 3, 2023 | Tuesday
As the time drew near when Jesus would be taken up to heaven, he made up his mind to go to Jerusalem. He sent ahead of him some messengers, who entered a Samaritan village to prepare a lodging for him. But the people would not receive him, because he was on his way to Jerusalem. Seeing this, James and John, his disciples, said, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to reduce them to ashes?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went on to another village.
Today’s Reflection:
On his journey toward Jerusalem, Jesus came across a Samaritan Village. The villagers denied Him passage because of His destination. This was not Jesus’s first nor would it be His last experience of rejection. The Lord did not judge them and even rebuked His disciples for considering a violent response. Jesus then continued His journey toward His ultimate sacrifice and glory. His disciples would, later on, preach the Good News in Samaria. The people of Samaria would gladly receive them.
Jesus does not bring fire to those who decline His invitation. The Lord does not force Himself on us. He patiently waits for us to heed His call. He only offers a path and ultimately, we choose. As disciples, we are not to advocate violence. Instead, we ought to respect and protect each one’s freedom. Let us allow God to enter our lives. Let us accept His invitation to the New Jerusalem.. /Vulnerasti, 2023.
