Luke 9:57-62

Nehemiah 2:1-8

Psalm 137: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Luke 9:57-62

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding

on their journey, someone said to him,

“I will follow you wherever you go.”

Jesus answered him,

“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,

but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

And to another he said, “Follow me.”

But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”

But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead.

But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”

And another said, “I will follow you, Lord,

but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”

Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow

and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I choose this day to follow your Son wherever he goes. I will proclaim your Kingdom in my words and actions. I will continue to work in your vineyard without looking back and produce the good fruit of love, joy, peace, and mercy.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Following Jesus on the Way: In the Gospel, Jesus has begun his final journey to Jerusalem, where he will accomplish his new exodus. As the disciples journey with Jesus along the way, Jesus encounters three different people and teaches on discipleship three times. “The individuals’ final responses are not given, leaving the dialogues open-ended. The effect is to invite readers – other (potential) followers – to apply the sayings to their lives” (Gadenz, The Gospel of Luke, 196). The first encounter leads to the teaching that following Jesus as a disciple involves sacrifice and enduring hardships, including the renunciation of a comfortable home life. The second encounter teaches that we cannot delay our response to God’s call through Jesus. “Even family obligations have to be put in proper perspective and at times set aside” (Gadenz, The Gospel of Luke, 197). The third encounter teaches that the commitment to Jesus is greater than any other commitment. “Those who follow him must do so unconditionally” (Gadenz, The Gospel of Luke, 198). Just as the plowing of a field demands the farmer’s full attention, so also entering into God’s reign demands our full attention and absolute commitment (see Martin, Bringing the Gospel of Luke to Life, 282).

2. The Figure of Nehemiah: The First Reading introduces us to the figure of Nehemiah. He was the “cup-bearer,” and trusted advisor to the Persian ruler Artaxerxes. The Book of Nehemiah, chapters 1-7, describes the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Chapters 8-13recount the covenant renewal led by the priest-scribe Ezra and the cup-bearer Nehemiah. The First Reading tells us that, in 445 B.C., Nehemiah approached Artaxerxes and asked for his blessing to return to his people in Jerusalem and help restore the city. Artaxerxes readily agreed and sent official letters with him to ensure safe passage back to Judea. Artaxerxes not only sent a supply of lumber with Nehemiah but also appointed him as the governor of the Persian province of Judea (Nehemiah 5:14), a position he would hold for 12 years, from 445 to 433 B.C. The work of Nehemiah in Judea and Jerusalem began thirteen years after Ezra’s initial reform. “Nehemiah himself was a leader of the first rank. He was a strong and wise personality who knew how to mobilize those around him into swift and determined action” (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, 694). Nehemiah is also a man of God. His life was characterized by prayer and humility. Unlike Ezra, who was a priest, Nehemiah was a layman and civil administrator. “Still this did not prevent God from using him as an effective instrument to bring his people into closer alignment with his will. Nehemiah used his political position for the great advantage of God’s people by enculturating the Torah and applying its standards to Jewish life. It is a testimony to his religious and patriotic zeal that he achieved so much in a community that was slouching toward apathy and growing weak in its faith” (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, 694).

3. The Little Way of Saint Thérèse: Our saint, today, is Saint Thérèse. She is a Doctor of the Church who advocated the “little way” as a path to holiness. It means trusting in God’s love and abandoning oneself to God’s care like a small child. It emphasizes recognizing and accepting one's own weaknesses and imperfections, not as obstacles, but as ways to be open to God's grace. The Little Way involves doing ordinary, everyday tasks with great love and attention to God, serving others, and practicing virtues like humility and gratitude. The core of Thérèse’s message is the mystery of God as merciful Love. She experienced being the Father’s adoptive child in Jesus. “Through spiritual childhood, one experiences that everything comes from God, returns to him and abides in him, for the salvation of all, in a mystery of merciful love. Such is the doctrinal message taught and lived by this Saint” (Francis, Divini amoris scientia, 8). In addition to spiritual childhood, some key principles of the “Little way” are: 1) embracing your weakness, imperfection, and failings, trusting that God’s love is still present and working through these imperfections; 2) trusting that God’s merciful love will fulfill your desire for holiness and union with God; 3) understanding that true holiness depends not on your worthiness, but on God’s infinite love and desire to work through you; and 4) finding joy in the ordinary, simple, everyday actions by performing them with great care, attention, and love.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, teach me the little way to holiness. I have tried so many paths to grow in holiness. When I see progress, I am tempted to fall into pride. When I advance, I am tempted to compare myself to others. Teach me to imitate you and become meek and humble of heart.

Living the Word of God: How can I practice Thérèse’s “little way”? 1) Perform tasks at home and at work with an attitude of love and service. 2) Cultivate a grateful heart by taking time to contemplate the marvelous works of God in the world. 3) Be attentive to others, listen carefully to their needs, and be open to learning, always maintaining a humble spirit. 4) Look for ways to serve others in love and care, making your life a reflection of God’s presence. 5) Avoid complaining: instead of complaining about problems or difficulties, focus on solutions or offer them up in union with Christ’s suffering.