+ Today we notice a very subtle distinction in the gospel passage. Sometimes
we think that it is only priests and nuns who are “called” by the Lord Jesus to
discipleship. Actually, God “calls” those whom he wishes to be disciple/members
of his Body the Church. In both cases it is he who chooses and calls us, and
not we who choose him. Those who are not “called” in this way can be considered
“observers,” “curiosity-seekers,” tag-alongs – but it is only when the Lord
himself turns and looks at the follower and beckons that he truly becomes a
disciple, a student, a member of the inner circle: the communion of faith.
In the gospel passage today a
mere follower says to Jesus – “I will follow you wherever you go!” He says this
as a “tag-along,” because he did not fully understand what he was asking. Jesus
says: What you are asking is a very difficult thing! If you follow me you will
have no “den,” no “nest” of your own, “no place to lay your head” comfortably!
Another tag-along confirms his lack of understanding by saying to Jesus: “Oh,
that’s OK, and, hang on for an hour or so, so that I can go and bury my
father.” Jesus then says: If you are
going to follow me, then follow me and let the dead bury the dead… meaning let the spiritually dead take care of their
own: follow me and I will share with you spiritual life: a life and a joy that
will last forever!
The question we consider today
is this: has Jesus truly looked at us and called us yet, or are we more part of
the rag-tag crowd of onlookers? It doesn’t have to be a long, sustained look, a
“glorious glimmer of a glance” would do – but have we ever, in our heart of
hearts “seen the face of God” – if so, then our discipleship is pure and
authentic; if not, then we can always pray
for it to be so. It is not that God does not want to look at us, it’s more
are we ready to understand what we see! May we, with the Holy Spirit’s help
understand today!
If
today you hear his voice and see his face, harden not your heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment