When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.
From today’s short Gospel reading, Jesus acts in two ways: first, he resolutely determines to go to Jerusalem to fulfill his purpose through his passion, death, and resurrection; second, he rebukes James and John for wishing to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village, which did not welcome Jesus because his destination was Jerusalem. In both actions, Jesus chooses to respect the free will of those who reject him; in doing so, he serves those who wish to do the will of the Father. The Gospel acclamation, the same as yesterday, says, “The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Many, but not all. Jesus can serve only those who desire to receive him.
In what way, God, do I make myself ready to receive your Son? He resolutely determines to serve and and does not impose his will on anyone who would reject him. If he is resolute and changeless—determined to fulfill his passion, death, and resurrection—in what ways do I respond to that in order to follow him? How do I go about receiving him on a daily basis, and whom am I receiving? The source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist, is one way. In body and blood, soul and divinity, Jesus is present in the Eucharist and there to be received. Another way? Saint Mother Teresa makes clear a path. “Whenever I meet someone in need,” she said, “it’s really Jesus in his most distressing disguise.” God, help me see where the need is today and be ready to receive you. Saint Vincent de Paul, pray for us!
I will forget you, God, as I go about this day. When I do remember you, past experience tells me that it will be weakly and in passing. I ask that you make clear to me then through grace when the opportunity comes to receive you. Stay with me, Lord; let me know and do your will.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
