June 27, 2010: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Being a good Christian should be our top priority in our lives. Ask Jesus to help you be a faithful follower of His throughout the day.

As they were going along the road, someone approached and said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” He replied, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but I have nowhere to lay my head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But that one said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my mother and father.” But Jesus said, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the reign of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” But Jesus responded, “Those who put their hands to the plow and look back are not fit for the reign of God.” (Luke 9:57-62)

What Jesus says in today’s gospel can seem really harsh and not loving at all. We need to keep in mind that Jesus often said something shocking in order to get people’s attention. He doesn’t always mean exactly what he says. For example, we need to honor those who die and give them an appropriate burial. In this gospel, he is inviting us to put discipleship first. Following Jesus must be at the top of our priority list as baptized Christians. Often the last thing we think about as we go about our daily lives is being a good Christian. Many times it would change what we say or what we do.

Action:

During these summer months and time off school, make a commitment to pray as you get up each morning. In that time of prayer ask Jesus to help you be a faithful follower of his throughout that day.