Prayer– Come, Holy Spirit. Jesus calls and I must not delay.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the disciples and the crowd.)
Context:
Journeying to Jerusalem seems glamorous. To set aside these false ideas, Luke places three sayings of Jesus at the very start of the journey. Discipleship is a difficult path, able to be walked only by a total dedication.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem, a man cried out, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have dens. The birds of the air have nests. But the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
Jesus said to another man, “Follow me.” He replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said, “Let the dead bury their dead. You go and preach the Kingdom of God.”
Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go home and say farewell to my family.” Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back, is ready for the Kingdom of God.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Jesus is on a journey. He has no time to waste. All three men must decide quickly.
- Jesus demands a sacrifice of material comforts that is needed to preach the Kingdom.
- “Burying the dead” means waiting years until the person dies. Preaching the Kingdom will not wait. People must hear the news immediately.
- A person who plows a field and looks back will do a poor job. The Kingdom requires our total attention.
- O child of God, Jesus is calling you and you are finding multiple excuses. Cut the strings. Jesus’ call is the opportunity of your lifetime.
- Do not forget. He is on a journey and moving quickly – like the days of your life which slip by so unnoticed.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, please say those words to me, “Come, follow me.”
- Place within me the fire of your Kingdom. Consume all my other desires.
- O Jesus, I have found a love which is greater than family ties.
- Jesus, if I look back, I will hesitate. If I hesitate, I will doubt. If I doubt, I will not follow you. If I do not follow you, I will lose everything.
- O Jesus, your Kingdom is at hand and your call is clear. You await my decision.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
- I will not fear the radical demands of Jesus’ Kingdom.
- I will cherish those words, “Come, follow me.”
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)
Jesus was journeying to Jerusalem when he called three men to follow him.