1.1Kings
19:16,19-21
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2. Galatians
5,1,13-18
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Luke9: 51-62
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" Either all or Nothing"
It happened that a
watchman in charge of a lighthouse along a dangerous rocky coast was given
enough oil for one month and was told to keep the light burning every night.
One day an old man asked for oil so that he could warm himself. Then a farmer
came, his son needed oil for a lamp so that he could read. Another needed some
for an engine. At the end the watchman saw each as a worthy request and gave
some oil to satisfy all. By the end of the month, the tank in the lighthouse
was dry. That night the beacon was dark and three ships crashed on the rocks.
More than one hundred lives were lost. The light house attendant explained what
he had done and why. However, the prosecutor replied, " You were given
only one task: to keep the light burning. Every other thing was secondary. You
have no excuse."
What do we learn from
the story above, that temptation is a choice between good and evil. However,
the more tempting thing is the conflict where one must choose between good
options. The light house keeper in our story found himself in such conflict
situation. Likewise, are would-be disciples in today's gospel. In such cases
the good easily becomes the enemy of the best. One must then say no to a good
thing in order to say yes to the one thing necessary. Today's gospel is a
sequence of four incidents and encounters with people who could have become
followers of Jesus but who were held back by ulterior concerns and motives.
Each encounter highlights a different concern.
In our gospel today we
learn about such encounters. The first incident
is the encounter between the messengers of Jesus and the Samaritan
villagers. The concern that holds the Samaritan back from accepting and
following Jesus is patriotism. It well known that Samaritans and Jews were
rivals. The Samaritan villagers had probably heard about Jesus and what he was
doing and were interested. However, as soon as they learnt that that Jesus and his disciples were Jews and were heading
for Jerusalem, their admiration actually turned into opposition. It is good to
understand that patriotism and devotion to the national cause is, of course a
good thing. Nevertheless, when nationalism, or ethnic sentiments become the
spectacles through which one sees all reality, including spiritual and eternal
reality, then one is in danger of losing perspective.
Furthermore, the second
incident involves a man who says to Jesus, "
I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replies, " Foxes have
holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay
his head."( Luke 9:57-58). We can challenge ourselves with this question
that why did Jesus say that? Probably because he perceived that here was a man
who valued financial independence and security. It is a good thing to have high economic goals so that one could
provide adequately for oneself and for those under one's care. Yet when this
stands in the way of wholehearted following and service of God, then something
is wrong.
The other scenario,
that is the third incident is that of the man who wanted first to go bury his
father before following Jesus. Actually the custom of burying one's parents is
part of the command to " Honor your
father and your mother" ( Exodus 20:12). So this is a man with high
moral standards, because he seems to be a man who keeps the law and he is
highly concerned for his religious duties and obligations as well, this really
is a good virtue indeed. Yet Jesus is saying that we should not allow religious
observances and rituals to immobilize us and keep us from following Christ who
is always on the move into new territories and new challenges.
The last scenario in
our gospel today is an incident whereby the man who wants to go and say
farewell to his family before following Jesus.
He wants to follow the example of Elisha( 1st reading) who bid his
family farewell before becoming Elijah's disciple. This man has high social and
family values. One could only wish that all men could be sensitive to let their
families know their whereabouts at all times! Yet before the urgent call of the
kingdom of God, social and family concerns take a back seat." No one who
puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God"(
Luke 9:63).
In the gospel Jesus
speaks about a vocation, a call. As we have heard, a man points out that he
feels called to follow Jesus. Surely a fine idea! But Jesus does not want this
man to have any false ideas: following Jesus is not easy! following Jesus
involves making sacrifices, accepting privations, doing things that at times
are not very pleasant. Jesus doesn't deceive anyone! He tells us with complete
clarity and with concrete examples that there are difficulties involved. Someone
truly understanding Jesus' sprit, has put these words into his mouth: " I
never said it would be easy; I said it's worthwhile." Following Jesus is worthwhile
because the reward destined for anyone who follows Jesus well is eternal
happiness.
How can we apply this
gospel into our lives as Christians? I once read an article in internet whose
title is What Really is Worthwhile? this article can help us how to live as
dedicated Christian disciples of Jesus Christ. I found in the article an author
jotted down the following: " Eight values that can enhance one's life: 1. Be
wise in the use of time. Here it is not a question of how much time we do have
but what shall we do with it. 2. Value
work. Is the work vital, strengthening my own character or inspiring others
or helping the world? 3.Seek happiness
each day. If you are not happy today, you will never be happy! Strive to be
patient, unselfish, purposeful, strong, eager and work mightily each day with
grateful hearts. 4. Cherish love.
True love never complains, it trusts. 5. Keep
ambition in check. 6.Embrace friendship. It takes a great soul to be a true
friend. One must forgive much, forget much and forbear much. 7. Do not fear sorrow. Disappointment in
life is inevitable. Pain is common to all. Sorrow is not given to us that
having felt, suffered, wept, we may be able to understand love and bless. 8. Cherish faith. Faith in God will enable
us to live our lives effectively, fearless and grandly.
What do we learn from
these stories? these stories show that to follow Christ is to follow him unconditionally.
We should not remain at the level of following Jesus under the conditions. If
we remain at that level we may find ourselves in the same situation as any of
these well-meaning but mistaken disciples. We should not regard Jesus as the
second optional in our lives. He will be either first or nothing.
Dear brothers and
sisters, let us understand that where there is sacrifice, there is love. Where
there is love, the Lord is always there. If we decide to follow the Lord,
decide now and not tomorrow because tomorrow is still far away. If you mean '
yes', answer ' yes and if you mean ' no' answer ' no' there is no in-between.
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Chapisha Maoni