Jun 26 - Homily for Today - Sunday

+ Even though the message of the readings is short today, it is a hard message, and it shall not be softened. Following Jesus is not meant to be an easy thing – in any way, shape or form – but it is meant to be extremely rewarding for those who go all the way with him – all the way to Jerusalem – all the way to the Cross – carrying their own!

Jesus resolutely made his way to Jerusalem – knowing exactly what awaited him there. Jesus determinedly reached out for what would bring salvation to all of mankind including us. Jesus perseveringly refused to be distracted in any way from his goal and the glory that it would give to his Father. Are we still with him?

Both the first reading and the gospel talk about discipleship – about leaving behind and going forward with Jesus – but both warn us that this turning must be decisive, immediate and uncompromising: “Go back” – Elijah answered Elisha called to discipleship – “why do you want to go back when God is calling you NOW?” And in the gospel: “Bury your father? Let the dead bury their dead.” “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

When we choose God, when we choose Jesus, when we choose to be members of his Mystical Body, the Church – we are turning away from darkness and sin – we are turning away from anything that would lead us back into that place of shadows and terror – we are turning away from all that has to do with death and destruction. And we are turning instead to life – to light – to love! Do our daily choices reflect this major choice that ought not to be withdrawn?

In the second reading, St. Paul tells us that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free, so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery, the yoke of sin, the yoke of death. LIVE BY THE SPIRIT and you will truly be alive both in your body and in your spirit. And you will have dismissed from your vocabulary and your actions that which is contrary to the Spirit of God that does indeed dwell within you by your baptism and confirmation!

How radical is your discipleship, how radical is mine? How powerfully does the Spirit live in us? How far along the road to perfection in the spiritual life are we? Either we are heading towards the fullness of spiritual life, with our cross on our backs; or you are heading towards the fullness of spiritual death, crossless but also ultimately lifeless! Jesus’ death on the Cross made it so that we don’t have to endure that punishment, that separation that unending pain and torture – if we don’t want to! It is entirely up to us – but just remember: real discipleship is all or nothing! But the payoff is complete, never-ending, bliss. Who would not want that?

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening; [I believe what you are telling me!] you have the words of everlasting life!