June 26, 2022: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Luke 9:51-62

When the days for his being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village. As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “(Lord), let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” (To him) 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.”

Reflection

Every time I read this Gospel and reflect upon it, I am puzzled by the harsh words of Christ. I wonder if I had been the one to whom he was speaking would I have thrown up my hands and walked away? I had to have a wise teacher explain to me that in his way, Jesus was explaining the demands of discipleship. It’s not an easy road we are called to follow as Jesus’ disciples. And the disciples awoke every day to that realization and they continued the journey. If I am to be a true disciple, I will have to get up each day with my priorities set on the journey, with Jesus as my guide.

Action

Spend time this week evaluating your priorities. Perhaps even make a list. Do any of the things on your list prevent you from putting Jesus first in your life?