Scripture:
Job 9:1-12, 14-16
Luke 9:57-62
Reflection:
Commitment is a big thing these days! Either we find those who say yes and never waver or others who say yes and when the going gets tough, they pull back. Jesus tells us that the life of a disciple requires all or nothing! That’s hard for most of us. Even when we try our best, oftentimes it doesn’t seem to be enough! We have so many ‘other’ things that call for our attention, it’s hard to stay close to our commitment as faithful followers of Jesus!
We are called to do many things in this life and by far the call to be a follower of Jesus Christ is the most demanding and yet most rewarding! For one thing it is not something we do alone! Jesus calls, walks with us, listens to us, picks us up when we fall and most of all loves us. It is this love that supports us when the demands seem larger than the rewards.
The disciples of Jesus were a rag tag bunch, much like those of us today. They didn’t really know what they signed on for and neither do we most days. What they came to realize and believe in was the amazing power and goodness of the one who calls us. Today we pause to remember and celebrate the lives of Saint Lawrence Ruiz and his Companions, 17th century Japanese and European disciples who were martyred for the faith. In their lifetime they sowed the seeds of faith for the future of the church in Europe and Asia.
Over the years, my life as a disciple of Jesus has taught me many things. The opportunity to walk with people of all ages, to learn from them, to grow in faith together, to laugh, cry, pray and celebrate God’s love has truly been gift. My life has never been the same since my ‘yes’ so many years ago. I would not be the person I am today without the many opportunities I have experienced.
It is with a spirit of gratitude that I continue to say YES, my Lord! Let us continue to invite others to say yes, to look ahead and not back as we journey onward to the Kingdom!
Saint Lawrence and Companions, pray for us.!
Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.