June 27th - Reflection

Time after Pentecost - Lectionary 13
Luke 9:51-62 (NRSV)
Jesus says, Follow me

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

Reflection
Jesus had a goal in mind...Jerusalem. The Samaritans probably wanted Jesus for themselves. The Samaritans, I would think, wanted Jesus to stay with them and deny the Jews. After all Jesus had been with them many times. But, Jesus had a goal in mind...Jerusalem. The Samaritans, upset with Jesus, sent him on his way to Jerusalem, a place that any Samaritan would not be welcome. So I can see why Jesus would have been upset with the few that, along the road, wanted to follow him. Did these few Samaritans really have a tough goal in mind of going to Jerusalem, or were they just riding the wave, hoping that Jesus would take power over Jerusalem?

It takes guts and strong faith to follow Jesus. No promises of the easy life. You must focus your life on Jesus and set your face towards him and only him. Follow Jesus, it's worth your life! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, speak boldly to me when I need it and set me straight so that I will always keep my focus on you and your plan and calling for me...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen