Luke 9:51-62

Meditatio (Reflecting)

When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,

Oratio (Responding)

I used to think of this reading as simply one of the passages that tells us the travels of Jesus throughout His ministry. But I heard a homily once on this scripture, and I found it so interesting that I needed to record it here, and share it with you. I thought for sure my priest would talk about the basic movements of Jesus in His ministry, and how he was now moving into the last phase of his mission. But instead he spoke about what the words “resolutely determined” mean. He said that in Greek these word is more accurately translated as “has his eyes fixed upon.”

So what are Jesus’ eyes “fixed” on? The answer is the pascal mystery…, The passion and suffering of Good Friday, His death on the cross, and His ressurection and ascension into Heaven. Jesus knew that this all would soon begin. So Jesus at this time has come to understand that now is the time for His mission to come to completion. And because of His limitless love of us, and His wish to save us all from our slavery to sin, He has fixed his gaze, and resolutely determined that now was the time to complete that incredible act of sacrifice and selfless love.

What are things that we fix our eyes upon? Large purchases, educational goals, etc. These things all take time and persistence to fulfill, and just so with the pascal mystery. We cannot fathom the perseverance, and resoluteness that it took for God to die for us. Is there anything we do in our lives that is even slightly close to that kind of love? I would argue not, but there should be, and it takes the form of faith. We must always choose God over all things in this life, and we should determine to do it resolutely.

Contemplatio (Contemplating)

Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.

Resolutio (Resolving)

Please lord help me today to put you first in all things, and help those around me that I love to do the same.