THE GOSPEL
Luke 9:51-62But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead.
But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.
Jesus, you say to us, “Follow me.
Go, proclaim the kingdom
of God.”
Deepen our trust. Loosen our attachments,
so many they may be, and whatever
fastens us also to our
safe spots.
Allow us to go where you call us today:
fields of war and bias, whatever
destroys our climate,
wherever there is
hunger and
violence.
Let us take
your kingdom everywhere in our day.
And let us lay our heads
where you lay
yours.
THE FIRST READING
1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21
He used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh,
and gave it to his people to eat.
Then Elisha left and followed Elijah.
Elisha
left his fields
to follow the prophet.
James
and John
let go of their nets
so they could follow Jesus.
Lord
when you call us daily,
in our normal lives,
help us leave
whatever
we are
doing
and come
follow
you.
THE SECOND READING
Galatians 5:1, 13-18
The whole law is fulfilled on one statement, namely,
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Christ,
are you saying
that in giving we receive?
That
we are set free
when the walls of our
enclosed selves are knocked down?
Please say it loudly,
again and
again.
Let us love our neighbor
as you love
us.
That is our freedom.
That is our
joy.