13th Sunday Ordinary Time, July 1, 2007

Scripture: I Kings 19:16, 19-21. Psalm 16. Gal.5:1,13-18. Luke 9:51-62: Today we face one of the strongest demands to be radical disciples of God and Jesus. In the first reading, we see Elisha being covered by the mantle of Elijah and then he receives a specific call to follow not only as a disciple of Elijah but as his continuance as a prophetic disciple in the footsteps of his master. The entire context of chapter 19 of I Kings is very helpful in giving this dramatic narrative a broader context. The chapter has a beautiful section on the presence of God in and through a gentle breeze. In the Gospel, Jesus is preparing us for entering into the most profound of his experiences, the Paschal Mysteries of the sufferings, death and resurrection he will undergo. There is a carry over thought from the Transfiguration of Jesus which Luke names as the Exodus of the Lord. The same idea is present as we see Jesus' eyes fixed on heading toward Jerusalem. Jesus fixes his face steadfastly and calls for our following him with similar determination. No easy task as we see from the examples that follow in the narrative. First, Jesus is rejected by the Samaritans, then he will be put to death by the Romans because of the envy and jealousy of certain leaders of his own nation. As disciples of the Lord we too must face the call of discipleship and go up to Jerusalem. We too will need to see our sufferings and trials in the light of the Paschal Mysteries if we are to face the ultimate trial of our death with the firm trust and belief that we will rise with Jesus who has promised this to those who follow him. Jesus has shown us the way. Amen.