Breaking the Word

23^rd Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 05^th September 2022 — Gospel: Lk 6,6-11

Knowing their thoughts

Jesus was neither ashamed nor afraid to own the purposes of his grace. He healed the man with withered hand, knowing the thoughts of the Pharisees and Scribes. Initially they expected Jesus to cure this man; however, their intention was neither to do good nor to alleviate his suffering. The wicked and malicious thoughts of his enemies were to trap Jesus for violating the Sabbath law. Indeed the narrator ends this episode with this note that “they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus”. But Jesus went beyond these human tendencies. He was overwhelmed by the eagerness of this man who wished to be cured completely. In his option to do good everywhere and to everyone, he knew that it is sin if he doesn’t do it instantly (Jas 4,17).

23^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – 04^thSeptember 2022 — Gospel: Lk 14,25-33

Denial for Total Commitment

Jesus is amazed to see that large crowds were walking with him. He doubts whether the crowds have misunderstood his words. He turns to them and begins to explain what is involved in the choice to be his disciples. Therefore he makes three very hard requests that end with the same severe refrain: cannot by my disciple! (vv.26,27,33). It almost seems that he wants to keep people away rather than attract them. The first one is to hate the close relationships that one enjoys in this world. To hate is to have the courage to break even the most loved bonds when they are an impediment to follow Jesus. These are courageous gestures of genuine love. The second is to deny oneself by carrying one’s own cross. This is a call to bear adversities patiently, whether small or great sufferings of life. It can manifest in discrimination or physical violence as it happened with Jesus. The third is to give up everything of what one possesses. The renunciation of goods is a proposal for some heroes to commit themselves wholly for the gospel. The conditions that Jesus places are clear and are not negotiable. The demand for total commitment from denial of relationships, oneself, and one’s possession is a real challenge for everyone who wishes to follow Jesus. The impulses and the initial enthusiasm are not sufficient, constancy and strength are necessary to persevere.