Be committed to God

I Kg 19:16-21, Gal. 5:1.13-18, Lk. 9:51-62. On this Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church calls us to be totally committed to Christ. In the call of Elisha in today's first reading, we see a model of total commitment to God. The slaughtering of his oxen, the kissing of his father and bidding of farewell to his men, were symbolic gestures that Elisha had freely accepted his call. It was a sign of total submission to the will of God over his own will and an indication that he loved God more than his business and life. Thus, in the second reading, Paul reminds us of the freedom we have in Christ. Christ liberates us from the things that enslave us. The freedom that comes from Christ is not freedom to indulge in vain acts, nor to become inactive. It is a freedom to follow and serve the Lord.

Today's Gospel brings us to the climax of this total commitment to the Lord. Christ knew and saw the weakness of the young men who wished to follow Him. He knew their struggles and distractions. Like some of us, they had “genuine intentions and excuses”. They wanted to follow Christ, yet they were not ready to make the necessary sacrifice. Jesus demands unconditional commitment to God without looking back. Jesus demands that we 'slaughter' our oxen - old habits and mundane things that we are strongly attached to. We must set ourselves free from the burden of materialism and be committed to Jesus Christ. Today, we are challenged to devote our strength, time and effort to live righteously in God’s presence, doing what He taught and called us to do, that even through little ways and contributions.

May the Lord guide us and continue to give us the encouragement and strength to live always in His grace and walk in His path! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!