Come, Follow Me

If Jesus had a Facebook, I suspect that he would have thousands upon thousands of "Like," and even more Facebook friends.  Most of us I think would want to follow him - on Facebook at least. The challenge of course is to fully love and serve him in this life.  Our restlessness can cause us to be distracted from the daily opportunities to demonstrate our faith.  The examples given in the Gospel today invite us to plan and orientate our lives in such a way whereas to draw close to the Kingdom of God.

We really have to be able to discern the Spirit as well as to be open to the Spirits movement in our life.  The Scriptures tend to tease us into waiting for angelic visits or burning bushes, before we make a clear decision for God.  I love Thomas Merton's prose in which he freely admits that after a life-changing conversion, and a life as a Cistercian Monk, he still is uncertain of God's call for him in life.  But he firmly believes that it is the desire to do good, and to do the Father's will that draws him close to the Kingdom of God. 

To be sure the Gospels invite us to understand that Jesus does not want men and women as "friends," but as devoted followers who seek the truth, and pour their lives out as faithful witnesses to all that we have seen and heard.  Today is also the Feast of the Birth of Mary.  Here is a woman whose life is surrounded by poverty, oppression, and strife, yet still believes in God's love and faithfulness.  So much so that she allows herself to become part of the story of salvation.  Being a faithful disciple means taking up part of the mission, even when we do not know the ending.  It is a commitment based in trust and faith.  And when people see our faithfulness they may change their own lives and give glory to God.

I have always love Annie Dillard's prose in which she challenges Christians to believe what they are doing.  She chides us when suggesting we be wearing helmets and life-jackets when invoking the name of the almighty.  Especially today we have to be prophetic in our belief and by our way of life.  At St. Mary's Grade School I was accused of being "too catholic."  We have to take that chance and become 'too faithful' in all things.

As a faith community we bring our crosses with us wherever we go.  As with the Beatitudes we are always becoming meek, humble, righteous, peaceful, and even persecuted for the sake of the Kingdom of God.  More than friends we are his disciples who are all too happy to declare the cross and to profess our faith.