The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

CollectO God, who through the grace of adoption chose us to be children of light, grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection

In this Gospel, Luke speaks about one of the most important aspects for Jesus, and for every Christian: discipleship. This includes how one should follow Jesus, the attitude they must have and the priorities they must develop. Today’s passage begins with some of the erroneous attitudes that the Lord’s disciples can fall into: they may reject Him, like the Samaritans; misunderstand His mission, like James and John; or create a god of their own making—rather than allowing themselves to be shaped by God—like those whom the Lord called but who were only willing to follow Him on their own terms.

How many times have we fallen into one of these categories! How often have we rejected the Lord’s Word when it wasn’t convenient for us because it meant discomfort or suffering! How many times do we imagine that the Lord will prefer us over others, forgetting that every person is created in His image and loved by Him! And how many times have we placed conditions on the Lord before undertaking what He asks of us especially when it doesn’t align with the priorities and projects we have made!

Today’s readings all demonstrate that when we hear God’s call and respond without placing any conditions—resting in complete trust in the Lord—we grow, mature, and gain a renewed outlook on our faith, one that is built on the authentic image of God. Our masks fall off, and our assertions melt away, as we are transformed from our old selves into a new being by the power of the Spirit of the Lord. This is what happened to the prophet Elisha when he left everything and followed Elijah! This is also what happens to every disciple of Jesus who succeeds in putting their hands to the plough and never looks back. These are Jesus’ Words! Do we truly believe them?

Prayer

Father, give us the grace to be true and loyal disciples, committed to Your Son, Jesus Christ, through the power of Your Holy Spirit! Grant us, we pray, the gift of listening, so we may heed your call with courage and perseverance till the end. Forgive us for the times we have tried to take control of our lives, challenging and denying your authority, or by attempting to tailor our image of You in a way that suits us. Transform us, Father, as you created us, into Your image and likeness, made manifest in Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.