Scripture:
Wisdom 9:13-18b
Philemon 9-10, 12-17
Luke 14:25-33
Reflection:
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me
cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)
I got up this morning, fed the birds, made and ate my breakfast, prayed and meditated, got on Facebook to connect with my friends and family, showered and cleaned up after myself, dressed, made my bed, checked the weather, read and listened to the news of the day (Rome Reports “For Pete’s Sake), paid some bills online, made it on time to a meeting of “Senior Voice” at the Center on Halsted in Chicago, had lunch with the Seniors and went to Story Telling…hardly a heroic day.
On the other hand, I see stories of U.S. Veterans willing to go to jail to be heard by their government. I see a young 15-year-old man, Carlo Acutis, who was born into a well-off Italian family but still shared what he had with homeless people. He was a computer science prodigy able to create websites that brought devotion to the Eucharist and miracles to people. At his funeral, the church was filled with the poor he had served. Today, I hear of a pope who responds to tragedies around the world, like the derailment of a tourist tram in Lisbon. I hear about residents of rural towns and the young lady who started The Industrial Commons on a TED Talk, bringing new hope to Appalachia and communities abandoned in the 21st century. Century America, reimagining traditional crafts like textiles, building companies owned by the employees,
Jesus, thank you for the gift of another day and the great examples of how to follow you. Follow me by taking up my cross, as you did, bringing new life to the world around me. Help me realize that this is my vocation as a follower of you. By responding with love and a willingness to get involved in my world, I take up my cross and follow you.
Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists. He lives in Chicago.