(Matthew 8:18-22)
Prayer: O Jesus, make me your true disciple, ready to pay any price.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the crowd, challenging people to be his disciples.)
Context:
This gospel is Matthew’s version of the reluctant disciple. From this story, we get a clear picture that some people followed Jesus regularly. The two mentioned here are somewhat initiated into discipleship. Yet, they lack something. Jesus uses their statements to outline the requirements of full discipleship.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
When Jesus saw the great crowd gathering, he gave orders to go to the other side. A certain scribe said to him, “Master, I will follow you wherever you shall go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have their lairs and the birds of the air have their nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
Another of his disciples said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father”. But Jesus said to him, “Follow me and let the dead bury their dead.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The scribe is sincere. He wants to follow, but sees that he does not comprehend the difficulties involved.
- Jesus describes his own total commitment. The foxes and the birds have more conveniences than Jesus does.
- Jesus is the “Son of Man” and he will return in glory. For now, he sacrifices everything for us.
- The second disciple realizes his limitations. He has an elderly father and wants to postpone his commitment.
- Jesus shifts this man’s priorities. Others can care for his father. He must not lose this unique moment. His call to discipleship should come first.
- The two little dialogues reveal this truth. Jesus’ call takes first place because nothing else equals his gift.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, let your call sweep away all my hesitations.
- O Jesus, what you have done for me? You have accepted the most difficult life on earth to bring me the Kingdom.
- You are the Son of Man who will come in glory. Now, you are searching for me. I will await you!
- O Jesus, how many excuses I use to postpone my commitment.
- Open my eyes. Change my goals. Sweep away what does not matter.
- I will follow you, Jesus, wherever you go. Even if I have nowhere to lay my head.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
- I will not postpone my response to Jesus’ call.
- I will examine my own priorities. What do I put first that should not be first?
Thought for the day: (To recall your meditation)
Follow me and let the dead bury their dead.