Luke 9:57-62 NRSVue

⁵⁷As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” ⁵⁸And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” ⁵⁹To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” ⁶⁰And Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” ⁶¹Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” ⁶²And Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Tough words here from Jesus. Following him is no world cruise.

Reflection
It is easy to settle down into the comfort of my life and forget the cost of discipleship. The decision to follow Jesus has to be made and re-made.

Reflection
Sacrifice is not a fashionable word today, but Jesus doesn't apologise for the fact that it is an essential part of the life of a disciple.

Reflection
Lord, you give me images and stories that carry the one message: if I am to follow you, it must be a priority in my life, not something to be fitted in between other claims and other comforts, but central in my life; and it will cost. You test the sincerity of the eager young person who made a heroic offering: /I will follow you wherever you go./ Words come so easily, but living them out for a lifetime is tough. Give me strength.

Reflection
I don’t think here that Jesus is suggesting neglect of parents or those at home. In his strong way he is getting at us to remain alive to the challenges of the present moment, and to take our futures in hand. There seem to be excuses about following him, and he breaks through these with the call to depth in our following of him, and indeed to live our lives in the depth worthy of our humanity and of calling by him.

Reflection
We can look back on a month and give thanks for the graces of prayer and other times. We can look forward as Jesus recommends today - to move forward in full-hearted service and love of him, knowing that his call involves us in all of our lives - prayer and action, love and friendship, justice and reconciliation.