QUITE A FOLLOWING
“Someone said to Him, ‘I will be Your follower wherever You go.’ ” –Luke 9:57
Mass Readings: September 28
First: Job 9:1-12,14-16; Resp: Psalm 88:10-15; Gospel: Luke 9:57-62
The essence of the Christian life is to follow Christ – not on our terms, but on His. In following Him, Jesus calls us to make a total, self-sacrificing commitment – not even to expect a roof over our heads (see Lk 9:58). He also expects an immediate commitment – no delays (see Lk 9:59-61). Finally, following Jesus is forever. When we put our hands to the plow and begin to work for the harvest, we must not look back but persevere (Lk 9:62).
In a world of selfishness, a total, self-sacrificing, immediate, forever commitment seems unreasonable. It is actually trans-reasonable, that is, not against reason but beyond it. The Lord’s ways and thoughts are far beyond our ways and thoughts (Is 55:8-9). “He does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning” (Jb 9:10). Therefore, to follow the Lord God is to walk in unknown regions and for unknown reasons. Following Jesus is walking by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).
Why would we give our all to Jesus and not even understand all of what we’re doing? Love is the only reason for following Jesus on His terms. Jesus is saying to us now: ” ‘Follow Me,’ if you love Me” (see Jn 21:19).
PRAYER: Jesus, may I love You so much that I’ll follow You to death.
PROMISE: “I, O Lord, cry out to You; with my morning prayer I wait upon You.” –Ps 88:14
PRAISE: St. Lawrence Ruiz, husband and father of three, was the first Filipino to be canonized.
