FOLLOW ME
The Gospel this week has what many might call a “difficult message.” Jesus hears His apostles telling Him: “I will follow you wherever you go,” but there were conditions attached to that promise. That is, some of them told Jesus they would follow Him, but they first wanted to say good bye to their family and wrap things up at home. Although that may not seem to be an unreasonable “ask,” Jesus warns them by telling them that no one who looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.
We all know that Jesus loves us more than we can imagine, and when He gives us advice, it is always the best advice. Jesus’s words may seem harsh, but they are really focusing on “commitment.” We all know the importance of being committed to a cause or to achieving a goal. When athletes are training for the Olympics, they go into it with the understanding that they are in it “all the way.” They accept the fact that they will be giving up spending time with family and friends, and eating all the foods they enjoy and going places whenever they want to go. They have to sacrifice certain things because it is a necessary part of the discipline involved with achieving your goal. Most people who have achieved a goal that was so important to them will tell you that it was worth the sacrifice.
Jesus may be asking us to make sacrifices, but with the promise that the goal of following Him and His teachings will bring us more happiness than anything on this earth can offer. Part of this “commitment” is trusting in that promise. “Follow Him”— advice we can trust.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Lito