Wherever You Go
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 9:51-62 - When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.
As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”
And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“…He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
We are very familiar with Jesus’ calls to Peter, James, John, Matthew, etc. Jesus says, “Follow me,” and they follow. This Gospel, on the other hand, shows Christ calling others in the Gospel—those who choose not to follow Christ. What is interesting about these stories is that these people whom Jesus calls actually want to go with Jesus. They admire Him very much. But they are torn, and they don’t want to give up the lives they know and love.
Notice how this passage begins: Jesus “resolutely determined to go to journey to Jerusalem.” Of course, this is the place where He eventually will die, but these would-be disciples don’t know that at this time. The attribute that clearly distinguishes them from Christ in this Gospel is their lack of determination. They admire Christ, but they aren’t determined to change their life too much for Him. We also admire Christ. We say we want to follow Him. But are we willing to change our lives for Him, to give up other things to follow Him? Faith isn’t a question of liking or admiring God—true faith belongs to those determined to hold nothing back from Him.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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