13th Sunday - C

Commentary
Luke 9: 51 - 62

"First, Let Me"

Jesus is not unreasonable. Nor is he telling people not to honor their parents or their commitments or responsibilities.

In fact, he upholds honoring one's parents as God commands it. When asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?,” he responds, "You know the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother.’” (Luke 18: 18, 20)

In this passage, Luke points out the contrast between the attitude of Jesus and that of the two who cannot follow him.

The passage begins, "When the days for Jesus' being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem." Now is the time appointed by God for him to offer his life for allof all humanity. He knows what awaits him in Jerusalem. More importantly, he knows what God plans for him and all of God's children. So, he resolutely determines to go and carry out that plan. He puts God first.

In contrast, the two people who cannot follow him puts themselves first. One says, "Let me go first..." And the other says similarly, "First, let me..." They put themselves and their plans first, not God or God's plan.

Jesus puts God first and determines to carry out God's plan. It is his response of love.

He, who died for his beloved now tells us, "You, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

Let us ask God, "Lord, let me put you first. Let me put my brothers and sisters first. In so doing, may I proclaim your Kingdom of love and mercy."