Resolute Commitment to Discipleship

(Readings for the Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time: 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-18; Luke 9:51-62)

Christian discipleship, that is, following Jesus on the Way, is a lifelong commitment. Those of us who have been baptized into the community of faith are called to be the light of Christ in the world. With and through Jesus the Lord, we are to bring peace, mercy, and love to a world that is often in strife. Such a commitment is not easy. Such a commitment requires the daily response of selflessness and sacrifice. Such a commitment is rooted in faith, that our toil as Christians in planting the seeds of the Reign of God will bear great fruit one day.

Today's Sunday Gospel reveals that Jesus was led by the firm conviction that his mission and ministry were of God. Jesus had faith that he was led by the Spirit to do the will of the Father, even if this led to his eventual rejection and execution on a cross in Jerusalem. Regardless of the risk, Jesus "resolutely" moved forward.

Jesus models for us the firmness of his commitment. This commitment, however, is not extremism. Jesus rebukes his own followers when they want to destroy the Samaritans who lack faith and hospitality. Similarly, Jesus' commitment to do the will of God the Father is not a lukewarm or half-hearted endeavor. The disciple is to learn from the example of Jesus. No excuse - not even seemingly legitimate concerns - can stand in the way of our Christian discipleship.

Those of us who are members of the Body of Christ, the Church, sometimes might try to curtail our responsibilities to the life of discipleship. Following Jesus on the Way is not always easy. Yet, when we have encountered the merciful gaze of God through Christ, we become transformed. Gradually, we begin to be able to do the impossible task of following the Lord unreservedly.

Only in God do we become liberated from all that holds us back from committing to a life of Christian discipleship. The Way never becomes easier, but our commitment becomes more resolute.