Wednesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 9:57-62
September 28, 2022 | Wednesday
As they went on their way, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another, Jesus said, “Follow me!” But he answered, “Let me go back now, for, first, I want to bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their dead; as for you, leave them, and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Another said to him, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family.” And Jesus said to him, “Whoever has put his hand to the plow, and looks back, is not fit for the kingdom of God.”
Today’s Reflection:
Today’s gospel shows how each of us has a unique story with the Lord. This calling is built upon God’s dialogue with us. Our story with the Lord demands a response. We however respond in different ways as the gospel shows. Many look back to their parents, brothers, sisters, and friends. Jesus said, “no one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” We are invited to work in God’s vineyard.
Following Jesus requires an absolute yes and not half-hearted discipleship; this is an immense challenge. A half-hearted man is someone who desires security and inheritance. Such a one remains a slave of his past, looking over his shoulder, to the people and the things a follower should leave behind. In the process of looking back, one loses sight of Jesus and his path. Following Christ demands not only self-giving but sacrifice, as well. /Vulnerasti, 2022
