It
is interesting to note that the commissioning of the seventy-two is preceded by
an episode aptly titled in the New American Bible as ‘The Would-be Followers of
Jesus’ (Lk 9:57-62). In this account we hear three voices besides the voice of
Jesus. The first claims to be ready to follow Jesus completely. Jesus replies,
“Foxes have their holes and swallows have their nests but the Son of Man has no
place to lay his head”, implying the rigour of discipleship. To the second
voice, Jesus extends the invitation to follow him but he is asked to wait till
he has buried his father. Jesus instructs him about priorities. The third voice
also like the first expresses readiness but displays hesitation. He wants to
consult his family first.
These
three voices reveal three types of disciples. The first type are those ready to
brave it all for God’s glory. The second are those whom the Lord calls but who
put it off for another day. The third are those who find it hard to decide for
themselves. They are easily swayed by others and find it tough to assert
themselves. All of us fall into one of these categories. If we are in the first
category, let us ask God to give us the grace to follow Him wholeheartedly and
to help us discern His will for us. If we are in the second or third
categories, then let us first discern in prayer what exactly is hindering us
from committing ourselves to the Lord and offer up these obstacles to Him
asking Him to give us the strength to overcome them and to make us His true
followers.
Cl Ian Pinto sdb
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