First Reading: Job 9:1-13. 14-16; Psalm: 88. R. v. 3a; Gospel: Lk 9:57-62

FOLLOW ME

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

From this narrative of the three would-be disciples, we see that our responses to God’s call to discipleship differ. God calls us every day and we respond different. But a lot of us fall within the category of the second and third would-be disciple. This was the excuse of the second: “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And this was the excuse of the third: “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at home.” We see that Jesus did not accept any of their excuses but demanded them to respond promptly to his call.

There were definitely moments we hesitated to do what was required of us. Those moments we did what was contrary to our faith and conscience due to some selfish reasons. Those moments we put our faith and moral life on hold just to enjoy some pleasure and compromise our values. We all are guilty of this. It is like asking Jesus to hold on for awhile while we do our bidding.

Clearly, we see that Jesus frowns at this. Following him demands doing his will always. The responses of these would-be disciples also indicate our emotional attachment to the things we love and how we struggle to let go of them. However, Jesus’ expectation of our immediate response to his call goes to show that we are capable of leaving these things behind. It could be money, family, work, and the many pleasures of life that come in between us and Jesus. But if we are convinced and trust in the God who calls us to do his will, all these things wouldn’t hold us back.  

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, grant us the deposition to respond to your daily call “follow me”. Amen.