Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.
As they travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus answered, ‘Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’
Another to whom he said, ‘Follow me’, replied, ‘Let me go and bury my father first.’ But he answered, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’
Another said, ‘I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’
(Luke 9:51–62)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- The journey is a central theme in Luke’s writings. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is the vehicle for his preaching and for forming the disciples into true followers of Christ.
- Luke’s second volume is the Acts of the Apostles. In this book, the journey continues—with the Church taking Jesus' message outward from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
- An ancient rivalry existed between the Samaritans and the Jews, and it caused each group to be suspicious of the other. The region of Samaria lay between Galilee in the north and Judea in the south of Israel.
Exploring the Word
This gospel text marks a turning point in Luke’s story of Jesus. In the text, Jesus makes a momentous decision. When the first village he approaches rejects him, the disciples want to punish the village. However, Jesus refuses violence and coercion as a means of conversion. He wants willing disciples! The three brief exchanges that follow in the story outline essential aspects of discipleship: it won’t necessarily be comfortable, it is lived with a sense of urgency, and it requires single-mindedness and sometimes difficult choices to be made. Comfort or family relationships cannot take priority over the kingdom of God, and once one becomes a follower of Christ, there is no turning back. This gospel focuses not only on Jesus but also on all who seek to follow the road that God has set for them.
- One character in this text says, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ What made you embark on this journey? Has the road been difficult?
- What have you had to turn your back on to continue this journey? Are there still hurdles to overcome?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- You too have resolutely embarked on a journey. How do you feel about where this road is leading you?
- What difficulties have you experienced on the road to Christ?
- What have you had to leave behind?
- Reflect on when you have had to make difficult decisions and choices—perhaps to turn your back on something you value so you can pursue an even greater goal. How did this make you feel? What motivated your actions? Share your reflections.
- ‘Your duty is to spread the news of the kingdom of God.’ Reflect on the available methods you can use to spread the news of the kingdom of God. Make an extra effort to spread this news this week.
- Use this adaptation of this week’s collect as your prayer:
O God, you chose us to be children of light. Grant that we may not be wrapped in the error of darkness but always stand in the light of truth.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Throughout history, there were times when the Church forgot Jesus' attitude to forcing conversion to faith. The free will of humanity is at the heart of the Christian story because we are made in the image of God. The freedom to choose is a gift, and it comes with responsibility. God’s revelation is offered freely to all; however, each person must freely choose to accept that revelation with faith. Human freedom underpins the very concept of being made in the image of God, and of being destined for a full and eternal life with God. Just as Jesus freely chose to die on the cross for our liberation, we too have the grace to freely choose what is good.
- Discuss this notion of human freedom and responsibility. You will find useful material in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (§1730 and following).
Symbols and images
The true meaning of being a disciple lies at the heart of this text. The imagery of the road, and of Jesus and his disciples having nowhere to lay their heads, reminds us that sometimes discipleship entails discomfort and requires a firm focus on the real prize in life: the kingdom of God and eternal life with him.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- What methods could communities develop to explore human freedom and responsibility more deeply? To whom are we responsible? How does your community manifest that responsibility to others?
- You could use the open Scriptures as a focus for prayer and include a brief, informal commitment to continuing the journey to Christ through the Word. A suitable hymn could be The Summons (GA 502). Pray for strength for each other. Conclude with an adaptation of the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94J, which speaks of not looking back.