Reading I: 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21
Reading II: Galatians 5:1, 13-18
GOSPEL: Luke 9:51-62
Persons of Principle
Sometimes it’s hard to do the right thing because we’re not quite sure what that is. But in today’s gospel, we see a much different situation. There are times when we know exactly what’s right, but doing the right thing is difficult or causes us personal hardship or inconvenience.
In today’s gospel, Jesus challenges people to do the right thing – to drop whatever they’re doing, leave everything behind, and follow him. But being a person of principles is not so easy.
Case Studies
Gary, a farmer, is concerned that the insecticides he uses are killing birds and beneficial insects by polluting the air. Yet switching to a safer pest control system would endanger his profit margin and his family’s financial security because it is much more expensive.
Kristen cries whenever she sees evidence of cruelty to, or exploitation of, animals. She refuses to eat meat and sends large donations to animal rights groups. Yet when her husband buys her a fur-trimmed coat, she wears it rather than risk hurting his feelings.
Richie joins in his Boy Scout Troop’s project to devise a recycling plan for use in each scout’s home. After a few weeks, though, he goes back to dumping all of his family’s trash into big plastic bags for the trash collector. He didn’t realize that sorting and saving would cut into his soccer time so much.
“Knowing” is Only Half the Battle
In the gospel reading, Jesus seems to take a harsh stance when it comes to the people who say they will follow him. But when read in light of the rest of the gospel, it becomes clear that Jesus was trying to make a point. He is usually very compassionate, yet on this occasion he challenges the resolve of those who say they will follow him.
Knowing what’s right and doing what’s right are two very different things, and Jesus challenges us to do both. We are called to spread the Good News and to do the right thing in a world that doesn’t always support that.
Sometimes, being a person of principle is not so easy.
Life Applications:
Is our discipleship a half-heartedness or lukewarm commitment?
What are things that you value or are concerned about?
Are there some ways you can further involve yourself in such values by taking a stand?
Check out the REAL Word Podcast for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C):
Original article by Brandon Jubar, 2004-2022.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.