The other day as I sat in a meeting which concerned finances and available resources, a mixed blessing for any Pastor, when the thought of this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 9: 51-62) came briefly to mind. Jesus demands an unconditional response from his disciples: “Let the dead bury their dead . . . you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” So I wondered about the power that money has over us and how that power can be used for the good of the whole – to build the kingdom of God here.
During a conversation in that gathering, which concerned finances for the Archdiocese, a list of potential major donors was presented. The Archbishop himself was present and he wondered about how to ask respectfully for substantial donations to the financial health of this local Church. We came across one name on the list that was identified as being able to contribute significantly. However, one of the priests present for the meeting, who apparently knows this person, looked up with a mild grimace on his face and said, “Good luck. I think its worth asking, but it would be with conditions.”
Money is perceived as power. Those who have little feel powerless. Those who have much, feel powerful. Unless we are motivated by higher values of altruism or self-sacrifice, we may feel that if I have a lot, I can demand a lot.
By contrast, I ran across a name on that same list of one of my parishioners. I know these people well and the amount of the ask was even larger than the other person. However, while I know these folks can give the suggested amount, and likely will, I can easily see them doing so without conditions. They may question the direction and purpose of the money but in the end, they will give and entrust the use of that money to the Church. They have done so in the past and I see no reason why they would not do so again. They love their faith and their Church and have bought in to what Jesus demands this Sunday about those who would be his followers.
This Sunday we hear a contrast of views about discipleship and we are challenged to see where we stand. In the first reading from 1 Kings 19: 16, 19-21, the prophet Elijah hears from the Lord: “You shall anoint Elisha . . . as prophet to succeed you.” Don’t you love the ancient Hebrew names – Elijah/Elisha. So, Elijah goes and finds Elisha plowing in the fields; doing what he knew best. Elijah, “. . . threw his cloak over him. Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” Not an unreasonable request.
However, when placed in contrast with what Jesus demands in similar fashion from the Gospel of Luke we find both a challenge and a moral dilemma. Don’t I have a responsibility to my family? I just can’t leave my work to others and take off! That would be irresponsible.
Jesus is on journey with his disciples. He is “resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.” The passage has a near processional quality. Jesus is not just on a daily hike. His face and whole mission is turned towards Jerusalem. Why – because Jerusalem will be the place of his glorification in the moment of his passion, death and resurrection. As the single minded, determined Jesus travels, others approach him with far less commitment. The contrast between Jesus’ dedication and the lesser level of the same, who have the best of intentions but lack the strength, is a sermon in itself.
So, Jesus is approached: “I will follow you wherever you go. . . I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home . . .” In response to this hail of “but firsts,” what is Jesus response? “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” In other words, if you want to follow me, prepare to move on, to be mobile without the security of creature comforts and a home of your own.
Then we hear what may on first glance seem harsh. Jesus invites, “Follow me.” And he hears, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father. . .” “Let the dead bury their dead . . .” Jesus responds. OUCH! While much of what we hear is hyperbole, not unusual, the theme is the same.
While personal commitments are important, they should never distract from the greater good which Jesus demands of us – to carry on his work of healing, love, reconciliation, conversion and the transformation of society around us to see things as God sees them. Jesus demands more of his followers, for we see in those who approached him our own resistance, our own “but first.” Yet, we too are on a journey. It is for this reason the Church refers to itself as a “Pilgrim Church.”
Along that journey I have learned over years of ministry that there is always another way to accomplish one’s task. There is always a “plan B.” We humans are like water. We find the path of least resistance and flow down hill as smoothly as we can. We want to move around obstacles and in the most direct manner possible.
In the same manner, Jesus could have invited us to a more efficient, less demanding way of life. He might have aligned himself with the more powerful and influential; with the zealots of his time and enlisted a more violent way to accomplish a change. As James and John suggest in the Gospel, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” (The opposing Samaritans). That would certainly enlist fear in your enemies and make them think twice before trying that again!
Instead, Jesus takes the higher road; the more challenging path but the one that will bring ultimate freedom for those who seek to put their priorities in order to be his disciples. This way led Jesus to the cross but brought humanity and the world salvation.
Yes, Our Lord asks much. Those who live the married vocation know that anyone can get married. That’s not the commitment. Faithfulness and life long loyalty is where discipleship comes in. My vocation of priestly service is no less a promise and a challenge. Culture does not support long term stability but Jesus promises that if we take the higher ground and put his way first, then all else will find its rightful place in our lives. What is holding me more than my attachment to the Lord? Am I loyal to my brothers and sisters in the faith and do I participate fully in what God offers us (sacraments, prayer, support) as I bring my faith to others? What do I offer: half-hearted, lukewarm, watered down Gospel?
The Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar said it very well in alluring imagery:
God is dangerous. God is a devouring fire. God has cast his eyes on you . . . Take care, he is crafty, he begins with a little love, a small flame, and before you can realize it for what it is, he catches hold of you and you are taken . . . He whisks you toward the heights like a cyclone, he whirls you around like a typhoon. Take care man is created for measure and limit; and finds rest and happiness only in the finite; but God knows no measure.”
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