SUNDAY 27 JUNE 2004.

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. 

YEAR C.

First Reading:          1^st Kings   19: 16. 19-21

Responsorial           Psalm        15: 1-2. 5. 7-11. R/ v. 5

Second Reading      Galatians   5: 1. 13-18

Gospel                    Luke          9: 51-62

Committed response seems to be a key element in the scripture stories of todays liturgy. Jesus resolutely takes the road to Jerusalem. Elisha did not even have time to say goodbye to his parents. Jesus reminds us that once the hand is laid on the plow you cannot turn back. He even says dont be hindered by burial obligations. 

There is no room for delay. Action is needed right away. Trinis will have a tough time living this gospel. You call a Trini and s/he will say, ah comin, while going in the opposite direction. (its the funny side to us).

I remember being on retreat in Tobago, one year with two of my confreres. The preacher was a visiting brother from Ireland. For the weekend mass we decided to visit the parish church instead of celebrating in private. Someone noticed us coming in and thought it would be nice to hear a different voice and invited the visiting priest to celebrate the mass. Of course, he did not come with the intention of celebrating and so did not really prepare. But what he said was very comforting. He said, Well I suppose a preacher always has to be ready. He facilitated a wonderful celebration.  The people who will proclaim the kingdom news are people who must be ready at a moments notice.

What is interesting in the gospel is the way in which different people display their involvement. Two volunteered and at the same time presented obstacles to their involvement. Jesus invited another who presented a ready obstacle. Response to invitation is the issue of the gospel.

The invitation may come from Jesus himself. It may come through another person. The first reading gives a gesture of invitation that was compelling. One prophet calling another. The response was immediate. Elisha did not even go back to honour the farewell rituals. The gospel demands now! The response ought to be now! That sounds unkind but may not be when one considers the kinds of obstacles that stand in the way. Are they genuine or are they a means to biding time?

Response to the kingdom demands will often be in conflict with personal agendas. I was reflecting on this in light of the gospel and thought of my own situation. I never thought of my entering the Dominican Family as leaving my own family. And I dont think that I am unique in this way. There are lots of opportunities to meet with them, share time with them. Of course it is limited in some ways because of ministry demands. Moving is a natural part of our lives, whether we marry, join religious life or move out on our own.

Itinerancy in spirit and in fact is a way of life for most. Answering a call to service in the kingdom is not about being limited in doing what I want; it is about being available to do other things. I think of it as moving out for other service not moving away. 

What imprisons us? Why say no and fear commitment? When you love what you do, considerations like, can I do it? have I the energy for it? and for how long? do not occur.

Whats your excuse? Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair that resulted in all sorts of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, Peter was impulsive, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was crooked, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health and Timothy was shy. What a group of misfits! Yet God used them all. They all gave without hesitation. 

ferdi op