In the first reading we have the call of Elisha, who left his family and followed Elijah as his attendant. How many of us are ready to walk away from the worldly goods, family, friends, inheritance, job? How many parents discourage their children from doing so? If a child considers becoming a priest, brother or sister, do we support them or tell them to get real. Letting go of family and friends is hard enough for someone with a call from God, do we make it harder or easier for them? Do we make fun of those who have chosen the less conventional life of priest, brother or sister? People complain when they do not have enough priest to provide for masses at convenient times, or for not being available 24/7/366. Have we done our part to support men and women who are called to serve the Lord?
Paul reminds us that we were called for freedom. But he reminds us we must not abuse the freedom. We must not see freedom as something for ourselves or for our good but the good of others as he reminds us: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” How often do we forget that and use our freedoms to continue biting and devouring one another?
The Gospel says that Jesus was “resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.” Are we focused on the mission God has given us? Do we even know where we are going? Are we determined to follow Jesus wherever it may lead us? Or do we follow him when it is convenient? What if he asks of us to do more? Are we willing or are we too busy? In the Gospel not everyone was called to follow Jesus, but those who were called were expected to go forward without measure of looking back. Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” Are we fit?
Countenance of God 