Do you resolutely take the road of the cross? - Daily Reflections September 30,2014

JOURNEY TO THE FATHER

 

There are certain events in our life that mark the development of our faith, maturity, or our achievements. The Gospel today marks an event in Jesus’ life that was considerably important. It would mark a characteristic of His person as one who was obedient to the will of the Father, who would face in a manly way anything in His life. This is found in His resolution to enter into the last phase of His journey, a significant motif in the Gospel of Luke.

       Jesus is well aware of the fate that awaits Him by going to Jerusalem. This is the place where the prophets had given their lives for the cause of God. It was the great city of God, once laid in ruins through destruction but now ready to receive the Prince of Peace. There was no turning back, no whimsy decision, but the desire and passion to offer His life to the Father for the sake of the world.

       There are times in our life that call for tough decisions. Jesus, in taking up His journey to this city, reminds us that nothing can stop us from the will of God, no matter what the cost or what might threaten and distract us from our journey to the Father. I guess this was the strength of Jesus — that He was making the journey to His Father.

       The ancient hostility between the Jews and Samaritans is played out as we notice their refusal towards Jesus because He was heading towards Jerusalem. The people believed that God was to be worshipped on their mountain, not the city of Jerusalem. This is a threat to Jesus’ journey that the disciples could see, hence their desire to destroy the city.

       Many trials and temptations await us. The sage of Ecclesiastes states that to follow the Lord is an ordeal. Jesus Himself said that we must take up our cross if we are to follow Him. The journey is not easy but reassuringly rewarding, as Jesus teaches us. Let us also be resolute in following the Lord. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you resolutely take the road of the cross?

 

God of my journey, You are my helper in times of need. Amen.