Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem and the Different reaction from differnt People

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Sunday*

*Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem and the Different reaction from differnt People*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 9:51-62*

*FIRST READING - 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21*

*SECOND READING - Gal 5:1, 13-18*

*1) Jesus' Strong determination to go to Jerusalem*

Gospel begins with Jesus' strong determination to go to Jerusalem

A strong will and determination is necessary to go to Jerusalem, because the journey to Jerusalem is very challenging

*2) Jesus and His disciples*

Jesus went along with the disciples

As they were going, they were not welcomed, by the people of Sameria. 

So the reaction of the disciples is one of revenge 

They wanted to destroy the people Samaria, through the fire 

So they asked *Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”*

*3)  Jesus and People of Samaria*

People of Samaria, did not welcome Jesus and His disciples

Jews and Samaritans had internal enmity, which created lot of problems 

So these were the people, who didn't welcome Jesus on His journey

*4) Jesus and Three followers*

On His journey towards, Jerusalem He met three people, whom He invited to become His followers. But three had three different reactions

*A) Jesus and the First Follower*

This one wanted to follow Jesus, thinking that Following Jesus is very easy. 

To this follower Jesus gives the clear picture of the Challenges.

It appears that this follower had no desire to follow Jesus after he realised the challenges 

*B) Jesus and the Second Follower*

Jesus calls this person to follow Him. But he is not interested in Following Jesus 

He has His own excuses, and didn't make any attempt to follow Jesus 

*C) Jesus and the Third Follower*

This follower had the problem of attachment to the family 

So he wanted to bid farewell and then wanted to follow Jesus 

To this Jesus says *No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.*

*5) Life is a Journey*

Jesus' journey to Jerusalem is understood as the Journey towards final goal 

On this journey Jesus had different encounters with different people 

Our life is like a journey towards Heavenly Jerusalem. 

We too encounter such challenges on this journey

Challenges of Rejection 

Challenges of Misuse of ones power

Challenges of non cooperation

Challenges of lack of support from others 

Such challenges make our journey difficult. 

In such situations what is my response? 

Am I able to move forward like Jesus? 

Or do I give up many things during my journey towards Jerusalem? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*