I Will Follow – Reflection on Luke 9:57-62
As young do-it-yourselfers, my wife and I cut down trees for an area where our house would go. Once the foundation and outside of the house were up, we did most of the interior work. As I think back, I did not understand my commitment to Christ could put into question luxuries and priorities. Christian responsibility applies to our living conditions. Jesus’s warning to the would-be follower is very personal, as my all-in, wholehearted “I will follow” is approaching two decades. I have realized following does not have to mean entirely giving up the security and comfort of a place to live to serve God. There does appear to be some flexibility if worldly desires are limited, and an active spiritual life is healthy. To follow Jesus can mean not going beyond our reasonable comforts and, in return, giving the balance of time, talent, and treasure. Your personal proof may be that the many projects or improvements that should have been done were sacrificed because you followed Jesus somehow.
The Man at the Plough by James Tissot (full resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 9:57-62 Scripture*
Would-Be Followers of Jesus
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 9:57-62 Reflection – I will Follow.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 9 Bible passage.
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