LUKE 9:57–62 DON’T KEEP SAYING, ‘LATER’

Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time – Year A

Three people come to Jesus with different responses to His invitation to follow Him. One says, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Another says, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Another says, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell.” Jesus responds with words that sound demanding because He knows something about the human heart: we can always find a reason to wait.

We do this in ordinary life. “I will forgive when I feel ready.” “I will call that person tomorrow.” “I will spend more time with God when things settle down.” “I will get involved when I have more time.” Sometimes those things may be understandable, but there is always another tomorrow, another responsibility, another reason to postpone what God is asking of us today. Following Jesus does not mean that we have every detail figured out. It means being willing to take the next faithful step.

So today, perhaps Jesus is asking us: What am I continually putting off? Maybe it is forgiveness, prayer, reconciliation, service, or simply making time for someone who needs us. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. But we do have today. May we stop waiting for the perfect moment and respond to Jesus with the grace to say, “Lord, if You are calling me, I am willing to take the next step today.”

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler