Sunday, June 26, 2022
The readings for Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year C encourage us to be committed disciples. In the first reading (1 Kings 19:16B, 19-21) Elisha decides to follow Elijah. The psalm (Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11) declares “You are my inheritance, O Lord.”. In the second reading (Galatians 5:1, 13-18) Paul tells us we must stand firm. In the gospel (Luke 9:51-62) we learn that discipleship will bring many hardships.
What sort of commitment am I willing to make to follow Jesus? What is holding me back? Here are some ideas:
In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about three things that typically hinder us on the path of discipleship. (1) We want instant gratification. But becoming more like Christ is a process which takes time. (2) We like keeping our options open. We find it difficult to commit to doing God's will. (3) We lack a fighting spirit. We need courage and discipline.
I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.
St. Anselm of Canterbury was a Benedictine monk and theologian. His feast day is April 21. Anslem's Prayer is a good prayer to say before reading scripture. It would also work well will a discussion of discernment or discipleship.
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