Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
1 Kings 19: 16, 19-21;
Galatians 5: 1, 13-18;
Luke 10: 1-12; 17-20
Today's Gospel begins with the telling phrase, "As the time drew near for Him to be taken up to Heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem." It's a real road, which will often be referred to in the next lO chapters of Luke's Gospel, but it's also a symbol of Jesus' whole life - a road leading to suffering and death. While Luke frequently highlights the gentleness and compassion of Jesus, when it comes to the commitment of would-be disciples, he makes no attempt to soften the facts, He pulls no punches.
Discipleship means following where another leads. In the first reading, Elijah finds Elisha working in the fields with his sleeves rolled up, ploughing. When he casts his cloak over Elisha - the symbolic way of passing on his role as a prophet - Elisha immediately downs tools, leaves everything, and follows Elijah. Jesus demands an even greater sacrifice from the men He meets - no goodbyes to their families in case they might have second thoughts, no room for compromise or indulgence of any kind. There's a sense of urgency in the response.
As Christians, we're called to follow a crucified Christ, for Whom suffering and death were inevitable. And as it was for Him, so must it be for us. He calls us to follow the same path of the cross, but warns us not to be too impetuous - we have to weigh up the cost of discipleship, to see whether or not we're willing and prepared to take it on, whether we're willing to pay the price and look afresh at our lives and see what's really important. What are our habits? What are our attachments? Maybe not drugs, or drink, or even family. But we must identify them, watch them carefully, and note what gets between us and Christ's call. What about food .. my home and its furnishings ... my lifestyle. How would I react if I were called to give up my hobby, my favourite pastime, my T.V. or computer?
How do I feel about actually living the faith into which I and my family have been baptised and confirmed, about receiving God's blessing on my wedding day, and never returning to the Church to thank Him for the countless blessing we all receive day and daily?
If Jesus calls us to follow Him down what appears to be a dangerous path, are we prepared to follow Him blindly in complete trust? If He calls us to put Him before family and friends, are we really prepared to do so? He wasn't into hugely dramatic gestures like James and John who wanted to gut a whole Samaritan village. Instead, He simply shrugs His shoulders, and moves on to call others who will be more receptive to His call. He'll never force acceptance from us; He simply stands at the door and knocks. It's up to us to open that door, and invite Him into our hearts. He is the gate through which Abraham, Moses, all the prophets and saints have entered. We also can do this today as we come together to the celebration of our Mass, where Jesus Himself comes to feed us, so that we too can accompany Him on the way to our heavenly city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.
Intercessions
God always listens to our prayers. All He asks in return is that we should trust Him to answer them in the way which He knows is best for us
l. Discipleship is a call to faith. Give our Holy Father and his fellow bishops the strength and integrity to follow Christ faithfully, and be an example to all those entrusted to their care - Lord, hear us.
2. Discipleship is a call to solidarity. May we show our love for Christ in the poor, the vulnerable, all those on the margins of human society - Lord, hear us.
3. Discipleship is a call to love. May those who are married remain faithful to each other, striving to deepen their commitment and friendship as a sign and witness of Your love for all - Lord, hear us.
4. Discipleship is a call to prayer. Help us to be more committed to our prayers, especially for our own needs, for our parish, and for all who are sick, suffering or bereaved - Lord, hear us.
5. Discipleship is a call to trust in the power of Your Son's resurrection. And so we pray for David Macdonald and Margaret Berrie who have died; and for Owen McBride, Mary Kelly, James Conlon, senior & junior, Garry Westby and Barbara Jackson, whose anniversaries occur about this time, that they may share eternal life with You, in communion with Mary our mother, the angels and the saints - Lord, hear us.
God our Father, help us to hear Your call clearly, to respond generously, and use the gifts and talents You have given us, to build up Your Kingdom here on earth.