Make A Choice. Follow Jesus.

13th Sunday In Ordinary Time
01 July 2007



First Reading: 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21
Second Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-18
Gospel: Luke 9:51-62

As the time drew near when Jesus would be taken up to heaven, he made up his mind to go to Jerusalem . He had sent ahead of him some messengers who entered a Samaritan village to prepare a lodging for him. But the people would not receive him because he is on his way to Jerusalem . Seeing this, James and John, his disciples said, “Lord, do you want is to call down fire from heaven to reduce them to ashes?” Jesus turned and rebuked them and they went on to another village.

As they went on their way, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

To another Jesus said, “Follow me”. But he answered, “Let me go back now, for first I want to bury my father”. And Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their dead”; as for you, leave them and proclaim the kingdom of God .

Another said to him, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family.” And Jesus said to him, “Whoever has put his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God .”

Reflection
By Anabelle Payod-Balla

There were times in my life that I was hesitant to make decisions which oftentimes resulted in failure. I found out later on that it is difficult for me to achieve my objectives if I am not truly convinced of its impact and significance. There is not enough energy, not enough passion.

And there were times when I was so passionate about one thing that nothing stopped me from achieving my intended goal. One example is when I made the choice to make it a habit to start my work day with a prayer and words of wisdom from the Holy Bible, and at night, read God’s words before I go to bed. It was difficult at first to make that choice because I was bothered with so many things I needed to do at work and at home and I may not be able to find time to do all these. I am a very busy woman as what my colleagues in the office tell me. And yes, they are right. With three kids to take care of and a very demanding job, I could hardly find time for myself. However, I wanted to increase my knowledge and interaction with God. I wanted to grow in His grace and be closer to Him day by day because I believe that with Him beside me, I am fully armed and well guided on how I should live my life. It is clear to me why I want to develop the said habits.

So I set my mind and my heart into it and what follows next was so amazing. I found it so easy to find time reading and talking to our Maker everyday. It seems that everything and everyone around me is cooperating and helping me make it happen! And what more, I can do these things openly and freely! Without being afraid because I know and people know that what I do is right and good. As what the second reading is telling us, “When you are led by the Spirit you are not under the Law.” By God’s grace, I have successfully made these into habits for over a year now.

I learned that it takes courage and knowledge of what it means in order for us to make a choice. And once we make the choice, it’ll be very difficult for anything or anyone to stop us from moving forward. In the First Reading, Elisha also made a choice when he followed Elijah, leaving his family and relatives behind. And by the way, God and everything that will give Him honor and glory is always a right choice! I hope all of us are making the right choice today!

Father, the world offers too many choices. Please allow us to be wise. Release us from our earthly ties. And give us the courage to make a choice, to follow your Son Jesus without any doubt. Amen.


Make a choice. Follow Jesus.