The Son of Man has no where to lay His Head

Gen. 18:16-33, Mt. 8:18-22. In today's first reading, Abraham was deeply concerned that God would punish the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as the people who lived in those cities were very wicked and sinful. Out of concern for his cousin Lot, who lived there and the people in those two cities who were still faithful to God’s ways, Abraham takes the opportunity of his friendship with God to intercede for them should there be righteous people found in them. Abraham tried bargaining with a quorum of fifty: Can the cities be spared if fifty innocent people are found there? When God agrees, Abraham tries again: suppose that only forty-five are found innocent. This haggling prayer continues until he gets down to ten.

No one would dare to stand before God and ask for a reversal of plans, but Abraham did and bargained. Abraham showed uncommon courage that emerged from deep faith and trust in God’s goodness and compassion. He went forth because he believed God would give him a fair hearing. We could also get such fair hearing from God if we commit ourselves to God in complete detachment. Jesus makes this clear to the teacher of the Law who came to Him demanding to follow Him in today's Gospel. The Lord responded by saying that He has nowhere to lay His head. To follow Christ would be an insecure, austere lifestyle: "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." We must know that there are darker days ahead, under the shadow of the cross. We need to trust the Lord in dark times as well as in sunshine and light. He asks us to be faithful, regardless of our shifting circumstances and trust that He will be faithful to us.

As we begin a new month, may the Lord who is full of love, mercy and compassion continue to love us and shower His grace upon us! Amen!! Good morning and have a fruitful month!!!