Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr

 Lectionary: 377

A scribe approached and said to him,
“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

 

Priests and religious men and women often linger over the dinner table one-upping one another with stories of the strange characters they have met in the seminary, rectory, friary, and convent. 

Christian leaders who have made life commitments to service in the Church have a wary skepticism of enthusiasts. “We’ve seen them come; and we’ve seen them go.” Eager volunteers often bring an unconscious agenda with them. Along with their willingness to serve and gratitude for the opportunity, they want to make a difference. They want to say at some point, “I contributed to that!”

In today’s gospel Jesus instantly recognizes the bright-eyed fellow who declares, “I will follow you wherever you go?”

Will you now? To Jerusalem to be pilloried, mocked, and scourged? To Calvary, to be crucified?

Treating this applicant differently than his chosen disciples, he doesn’t ask this fellow, “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?”  He simply dismisses him with a remark about foxes and birds.

No one comes to the Lord who is not invited. If your initial experience of approaching a religious commitment -- or even a particular project -- feels like your own decision, you should pause, ponder, and look more deeply at this impulse. Where is it coming from?

Many people remember resisting the impulse to a divine call. They did not want to enter the seminary or convent; they did not feel like they were being sent; they had no dreams of mission. But the idea just kept coming at them and each time it seemed more appealing. When they decided to explore it by seeking advice from experienced professionals, they remained skeptical and undecided.

Wary of too eager volunteers, the early church often took the initiative in the selection of its leaders. Some individuals were reluctant; at least one bishop had to be dragged from his closet before he was ordained. Liturgically we remember that principle as the candidates for ordination, who are often seated with their parents in the congregation, are formally called to the sanctuary.

The call to mission is given to every Christian. It begins with Baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is manifest in the Easter appearance in the gospels. In every instance Jesus does not appear to prove that he is not dead; rather, he breaks into their assumptions about life and death  to send them on mission. The first witnesses were the women told to tell the community; later, the Church should tell all nations.

Our mission as disciples is first accomplished by our gatherings when we hear and celebrate the good news. By continual prayer the healing message sinks deeper into our hearts and we become willing and eager to share it with others. Within the Church, every Christian discovers their own calling. Their precise roles usually come as no surprise as the tasks fit their aptitudes and skill sets. They support the Church in her mission to the nations. 

And they always know that no one makes a difference; only the LORD.