13th Sunday – OT

1

Have you ever make a decision that you had to live with?

Usually that means a decision that wasn’t so good

and you had to live with the consequences.

If it is true that we posses the ability to resolve

or to get ourselves through so many worldly things

then why is it not so true with heavenly or kingdom things?

Do the worldly things have more power over us?

Are we more concerned with looking bad

or our own personal sense of security than

doing what is right?

We can become rather resolved to save ourselves

but not so resolved to enjoy the salvation given us.

Through the gospel Jesus remarks on how he is amazed with our human ability.

To get what we want, we will try our best.

Jesus point out the energy we use

to make a simple statement

I need a little of that for kingdom building.

Imagine what the world would look like.

2

Our gospel begins by telling us that Jesus had made a decision:

“He was resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.”

The direction of his life and mission was focused – decided – the hour was approaching.

That is the context that we need to see when what may appear to be harsh words that Jesus

says to his disciples.

Jesus wanted a commitment from them to follow him

and to be determined in the task

with no competing forces.

Are you with me?

Can I depend on you being there for me?

Jesus wants their yes to mean yes.

He appreciates their concern for other matters and responsibilities,

but when push comes to shove,

He wanted to know who He could depend on.

3

At a conference the other day I spotted a T-Shirt that said:

“Catholicism is not a spectator sport.”

That means

there are no side lines, no bleachers, no good seats, no club boxes

– just the team.

Perhaps you can understand Jesus’ frustration if it were in today’s terms.

Jesus posts try outs for his team. He wants the best.

It will demand the commitment of every Sunday morning and additional time,

each according to his or her own talents and means.

It could change your home life for a season

or two, but it’s important.

Being a member of the team will polish your personal talents and enhance your interactive skills.

It will make you a young man or young woman of character.

If you are a member of the team you need to be there for the team and for the coach.

It’s a commitment that is necessary for the team’s success.

Imagine what would happen if half the team called in unable to make the big game because

there were other events and possibilities that presented themselves. You know, all once in a life

time opportunities.

Perhaps the coach would be disappointed and frustrated.

Perhaps he would question their commitment.

Now this is Jesus’ team…

You told him yes. I want to follow you. You can depend on me. I will be there.

Jesus is frustrated and harsh in the gospel because at this point he really needs his team,

He is determined to journey to Jerusalem – it’s the big time.

Jerusalem will be the place where it will all happen.

Don’t we understand that it is certainly understandable that Jesus is disappointed when his

disciples all have excuses for delaying their response?

Jesus asks us all to join the team.

To say Yes and to mean it for the success of the team

–

that would be His Church.

Sometimes that means that we say no to other worries, possibilities and even opportunities.

4

To say yes, I will, I do

to another, to God establishes a resolution, journey, focus, commitment, priority.

Like all of Jesus’ invitations, kingdom building is forward thinking.

May we, who figure out easily (like some innate survival ability),

how to save ourselves and accept consequences,

say yes to the salvation already won for us and live with that big win as the center of our lives.

The coach in depending on you – be there!