THE WORD
Job 9,1-12.14-16 / Lk 9,57-62
As Jesus and his disciples travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered, “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another to whom he said, “Follow me.” The man replied “Let me go and bury my father first.” But he answered, “Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say good-bye to my people at home.” Jesus said to him, “Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is t for the kingdom of God.”
IN OTHER WORDS
Recruiters sometimes use flowery words and tricky answers which are not realistic and even contain some lies and empty promises. They present only what is good and beautiful. The aws and negative side usually come in later as a surprise.
Jesus is a very honest recruiter, showing and explaining everything not only the joys of being his followers but also the pains and obstacles that lie ahead. In the Gospel story today, He is being realistic when
He says, “the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” He doesn’t do cover-ups. He is not a pretender. He declares everything, not only what he has but also what he lacks.
Jesus’ truthfulness gives his listeners a clear idea about his message so that they will be able to make a decision once and for all to say yes or no, nothing more, nothing less, nothing in-between. All sides are justly presented: What you see is what you get.
So, if we say yes to be his followers, what is expected of us to be truly called Christians? First, we have to be always truthful like Jesus. He shows us that sincerity and honesty attract love. And, secondly we need to be ready at all times to report for the call of duty. That, doing the good and the better and eventually doing the best, is always our priority and is always urgent. What is more urgent than to do something for the greater Glory of God? Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you have... Jesus is calling: “As for you, proclaim the Kingdom of God.”
- Fr. Romel S. Porillo, SVD | Papua New Guinea
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
