Let the dead bury their dead.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Thirteenth Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:18-22*

*First Reading : Gn 18:16-33*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 103:1b-2, 3-4, 8-9, 10-11*

*Let the dead bury their dead.*

*1) The Call to Radical Discipleship*

Jesus is not belittling family responsibilities but making a bold statement about the radical nature of discipleship. 

In calling someone to follow Him, He demands an unwavering commitment, a willingness to leave behind all other concerns, no matter how important they might seem by worldly standards. 

The urgency of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God is so great that it requires immediate action and prioritization.

*2)The "Dead" as Spiritual Metaphor*

One of the deeper layers of meaning in this phrase involves spiritual life and death. 

When Jesus says, *"Let the dead bury their own dead,"* He is likely referring to those who are spiritually dead—those who live without the transformative life of God.

Spiritual Death: The *"dead"* can be understood as those who live according to  the ways of the world, disconnected from the life and vitality that comes from God. 

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of Himself as the *"life"* (John 14:6). 

In contrast, those who reject or neglect His call remain spiritually dead.

*3) The Urgency of Following Jesus*

Jesus' response underscores the immediacy of His call. 

Discipleship is not something that can be delayed or put off. 

It requires a prompt and full commitment to follow Him without hesitation, especially when the Gospel is at stake.

The urgency is not about rejecting one’s family or responsibilities but recognizing the eternal significance of the call to the Kingdom. 

Everything else fades in comparison to the urgent mission of the Gospel.

*4) A Challenge to Worldly Attachments*

Jesus often spoke about the danger of attachment to the world. 

This saying can be viewed as a challenge to those who are too attached to the things of this world, even good things like family. 

The phrase *“let the dead bury their dead”* underscores that those who are consumed with the temporary concerns of the world are spiritually dead, while those who follow Jesus are called to live for the eternal.

The phrase suggests that the worldly preoccupation with family, possessions, and responsibilities should not prevent a follower of Jesus from responding to the call of discipleship. 

*5) A Shift from Earthly Priorities to Eternal Vision*

The calling to discipleship means shifting from earthly priorities to eternal vision. 

The dead—those who are spiritually disconnected—are concerned with the physical and earthly tasks, while the living—those who follow Christ—are focused on the mission of God’s Kingdom.

*6) A Warning Against Procrastination in Spiritual Commitment*

Jesus also speaks to the danger of delaying spiritual commitment. 

The man who asks to bury his father could symbolize the tendency of people to delay following Jesus for more "convenient" times or excuses. 

But Jesus’ statement is a warning that there is no better time than the present.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*