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Asking Everything
What does it mean to be a disciple? Today’s texts answer this question in various ways.
Elisha was given the burdensome mantle of Elijah. Up until this point he’d simply been a student of the great prophet. Then, without much warning, Elijah passed the leadership responsibility onto him and transitioned dramatically from this life into the next. Because it was an immense responsibility, Elisha asked his master for a double portion of his spirit and was given it. God generously provided for Elisha so that he could faithfully continue Elijah’s work.
Paul spells out the mission before us. Last week, he pointed out the power we’ve been given through our baptism. Now he explains that with the Spirit of God within, our lives should be different. He contrasts the work of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. We are called to use our freedom in Christ for good, so that God can transform our lives and empower us for ministry.
In the gospel, Jesus faces more resistance from those he’s called. People conjure up all sorts of excuses why they can’t start right away, but Jesus will have none of it. He’s calling and he wants a straight answer now. You’re in or you’re out. He makes it clear that answering his call and living the life of discipleship requires no less than everything.
These passages are difficult. They show how much God is demanding of those who wish to follow. Those called are asked to give everything. No wonder there is resistance. Yet, they also remind us that the Spirit will support our work and, in turn, give us everything to enable us to answer the call.
Gospel: Luke 9:51-62
Jesus is unwavering in his commitment to his mission in Jerusalem and will not be swayed by pettiness. In a series of striking cases in point, he calls his disciples to a similar single-mindedness.
51When the days drew near for [Jesus] to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55But he turned and rebuked them. 56Then they went on to another village.
57As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58And 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.” 59To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”