OBEY NOT "MY WAY"

A dad called his 3 kids to ask who should get the toy he bought. He asked them, “Who is the most obedient?” The kids stared at him in silence. He then asked, “Who never complains to mom when she gives an errand?” The kids looked at each other but did not reply. Dad fired another question, “Who does everything she says?” The kids shouted in unison, “You get the toy Dad!”

Do you find it easy to follow?

A Jesus wanna-be-follower in today's Gospel said, "I will follow you wherever you go" (Luke 9:57). What does it mean to follow Jesus?

• O-BSTACLES. Everyone has a problem, a trial or a obstacle in life. Jesus did not promise a problem-free life. The people who wanted to follow Jesus in Luke 9:56-61 had concerns on where to stay, family members who were still alive & even those who passed away already. We all have concerns but who is our main concern? Jesus says, "no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62). Following Jesus means MAKING GOD OUR MAIN CONCERN.
• B-USYNESS. Peter & Andrew were busy at work when Jesus called them to "follow me & I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Matthew was in his tax office when Jesus said to him, "Follow me". All of them dropped everything they were doing & followed Jesus. They became part of the 12 apostles who spread the Word to the world. Like the 12, we are called to follow Jesus inspite of our BUSYNESS.
• E-MBARASSING MOMENTS. God called Noah to build an ark in the middle of nowhere. I can imagine his neighbors asking him, "what the heck is that?" No one knew what an ark was. After Noah explained what it was, everybody knew there was no use for an ark on their area. Maybe Noah's family felt embarassed for him. But they built it anyway. Because of their obedience their whole family was saved. We need to follow God even if it becomes EMBARASSING.
• Y-OUR WILL BE DONE. Life is not about us but all about God. Jesus had a daunting mission. HE had to suffer & die to save us. HE knew it would be difficult. Yet, HE prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39). When we follow God we mean "YOUR WILL BE DONE, ALL THE TIME."

You are called to O-B-E-Y. Obedience is a virtue. When Jesus says "Follow me." (Luke 9:59), WE FOLLOW. No questions asked.

Have a blessed Sunday! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com