Gospel Delights!

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Zec 8:20-23; Lk 9:51-56

Today’s gospel highlights Jesus’ determination in two ways.

Journey to Jerusalem: Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem to embrace death on the cross characterizes his identity as the Messiah. Unflinching in his determination, Jesus tilts the direction of his itinerant mission, ever progressing towards Jerusalem to reach its culmination. The purpose of his incarnation is the driving force for Jesus to steadily move towards Jerusalem.

Infinite Mercy: Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem via Samaritan village is an example of his inclusivity as a radical praxis of the Kingdom he is proclaiming. The Samaritan unwillingness to welcome Jesus does not surprise him at all. Maybe he considered it not an offense in the face of the rejection that he was putting up with from the people to whom he was sent. When James and John are enraged, Jesus reminds them that even on his behalf, anger is not justified. 

Mercy is the invisible face of God that Jesus manifests. It is seen both in his willingness to embrace the cross and in his readiness to forgive Samaritans for the poor reception. 

On a different note, Jesus’ act is a magnificent example of the use of power. The greatness of Jesus lies in what he decides to do with his power – to use it to endure suffering and death on the cross for the salvation of humanity (which is symbolized in his journey towards Jerusalem) and not against the helpless Samaritans as James and John wanted (which is symbolized in his refusal to judge them). 

Following Jesus means spending our power on empowering others. Jesus did just that!

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar