Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Am I a follower of Jesus? Today’s Gospel tells us that Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. But he was not alone. Besides the Twelve, there were others as well, mostly women, it seems, whom Jesus had cured. Perhaps it was out of gratitude that all these men and women wanted to follow the master. They found something about him that deeply influenced them. Perhaps it was his authenticity. His teaching was real. He taught love and acceptance. He taught forgiveness and mercy. He was at home with all those who understood their weakness. He ate with known sinners and those who were excluded from “proper” company. He excluded no one; rather, they excluded him. He loved the poor, the powerless, children, and those who were thought to be of no account.
When we look at the men and women whom we admire today, are they the rich and famous, or are they in the company of St. Teresa of Calcutta, Bl. Stanley Rother, St. Carlo Acutis, and the many martyrs of Africa? Jesus still leads those who wish to follow.
Reflection by Fr. Martin Demeulenaere, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections