Today’s Gospel:  Luke 9:51-56

REFLECTION
God's grace sets us free -- from intolerance and prejudice and from everything that would keep us from following him.  When Jesus made preparations to enter a Samaritan village he was met with opposition, no doubt because Jews and Samaritans had been divided for centuries. Jesus' disciples were indignant and wanted to see retribution. Jesus, in turn, rebuked them for their lack of tolerance. Jesus had set his face toward Jerusalem in order to die that Jew, Samaritan and Gentile might be reconciled with God and be made one in Christ.

When the Lord calls us to follow him he gives us the grace to put aside everything that might keep us from doing his will. Indeed, loyalty to Jesus demands sacrifice, especially the sacrifice of one's own will to the will of God.

Jesus surprised his disciples by saying that they must not look back on what they have freely given up, but instead keep their focus clearly on the goal they have set for their lives: union and happiness with God in his kingdom. A plowman who looked back caused his furrow to be crooked.  

Likewise, if we look back we will likely go off-track and we'll miss what God has for us.  When the going is rough or the way ahead looks uncertain, we are tempted to look back to the "good old days" or to look for "greener turf".  Let us be resolved in keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and to "stay the course" in following him to the end.

- MA

Today’s Reading:  Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, keep my mind fixed on the joys stored up for me in your kingdom.  And that I may be willing to put up with all the suffering, hardship, and pain that may come my way in serving you. In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.