St James Catholic Church

Recently, we all experienced a sad, or as we would say, a bittersweet good bye to Dan and Annie.  I’m sure it was a very difficult decision made after much thought and prayer.  To leave everything behind when you set a new course for your life is a dramatic break.  In our first reading from I Kings, Elisha, the prophet makes the break even more dramatic.  He sacrifices his plow and oxen to provide food, not only for his family, but for the entire people.  He has turned immediately to serving his God and using whatever he has at hand to do so.

In our Gospel, Luke says, “The Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”  He was born in a stable.  He began his public ministry in his hometown synagogue, only to be thrown out.  He spent three years traveling and preaching throughout Galilee and Judea.  On the last day of his life, he was in a borrowed room in Jerusalem.  Making his true home in any one place was not his mission.  Instead, his home is in each of us.

The disciples left their homes also.  In responding to our Lord’s invitation to follow Him, they left families, jobs, and hometowns.  Their commitment was complete.

What commitment have we made that was most transforming for our lives?  Perhaps marriage, a new job, going back to school, adopting a child or having a baby, investing all or much of our resources in helping a friend or family member, donating a kidney, entering a convent or seminary, or joining the military.  What are we willing to leave behind on our journey toward the kingdom of God?  Daily we can ask ourselves, “How my commitment to my faith may be more complete?”

Love, Peace, Joy

Fr. Bob