Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C 26th June 2022
Lectionary Readings: 1 Kings 19 v15-16, 19-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5 v1, 13-25; Luke 9 v51-62
Guidelines for followers of Jesus.
Luke relates how Jesus reacted when he and his followers encountered rejection by the inhabitants of a village in Samaria. They simply move on to another village where they are welcomed.
Luke follows this with three short stories of would be followers. The first seems to be primarily concerned about creature comforts, the second about obeying the Law of Moses or rather the duty expected of him in regard to the burial of a family member; the third wanted to tidy up his affairs at home and then follow on. In each case Jesus indicates that the urgency of his mission over-rides personal concerns and if they want to follow him they must do so now. Jesus said, “Anyone who starts ploughing and keeps looking back isn’t worth a thing to God’s kingdom.” (Luke 9 v62).
Inviting people to be reconciled with God and welcoming them into the kingdom was at the heart of Jesus’ mission. The apostle Paul boldly says, “Christ has set us free! This means we are really free.” (Gal.5 v1a). “My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want, use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love”. (Gal. 5 v13).
“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled”. (Gal 5 v22).
“God’s Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit”. (Gal. 5 v25).
In today’s Psalm, King David, he says, “I praise you Lord for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind”. (Psalm 16 v17).
All of which points to how we can become better disciples of Jesus. By seeking God’s forgiveness, accepting the gift of his Holy Spirit and living our lives so as to reflect God’s love to others.
Hymn writer Brian Wren speaks of our growth in Grace and Holiness, (Singing the Faith 499).
Great God, your love has called us here as we, by love for love were made.
Your living likeness still we bear, though marred, dishonoured, disobeyed;
we come, with all our heart and mind, your call to hear, your love to find.
We come with self-inflicted pains of broken trust and chosen wrong,
half free, half bound by inner chains, by social forces swept along,
by powers and systems close confined, yet seeking hope for humankind.
Great God, in Christ you call our name, and then receive us as your own,
not through some merit, right or claim, but by your gracious love alone;
we strain to glimpse your mercy seat and find you kneeling at our feet.
Then take the towel, and break the bread, and humble us, and call us friends;
suffer and serve till all are fed, and show how grandly love intends
to work till all creation sings, to fill all worlds, to crown all things.
Great God, in Christ you set us free, your life to live, your joy to share;
give us your Spirit’s liberty to turn from guilt and dull despair
and offer all that faith can do, while love is making all things new.
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.