Word to the Wise
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 - Wednesday in the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
[Neh 2:1-8 and Luke 9:57-62]And to another [Jesus] said, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father." But Jesus answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God." [Luke]
SEPTEMBER 30 ST. JEROME, doctor of the church
The priority of the Kingdom of God extends to the most intimate and fundamental of relationships. In the gospel passage for today those who would follow Jesus are told that they have to be prepared to accept insecurity [not knowing where they'll be staying] and to let others take care of what were considered sacred familial duties. It was difficult back then, and it is difficult now. I think of the struggles I have seen in persons who are "only children" and who choose priesthood or religious life, which would preclude grandchildren for their parents. I think of those whose employment takes them far from home or those in the military who are sent to combat zones.
What Jesus' challenge comes down to is a matter of "ultimate concern." What is our ultimate concern? Jesus plainly challenges us to make him and his message our ultimate concern and to evaluate all other commitments in the light of our faith in him. This includes the most fundamental and natural relationships such as parent-child, husband-wife, siblings, etc. In short, does our faith function as a matter of "ultimate concern" that shapes everything else? Or is it only one factor among many? Do we answer the Lord the way the well-intentioned folks answer in today's gospel? AMEN
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