Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Brother Carl Milos Bulihan SVD (Japan)
Wednesday 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Some people simply love adventure.
During my home vacation, I invited my best friend to go for a road trip around the island of Bohol. Although he was quick to reply “Yes, sure”, he was asking me many questions: “Where should we eat? Where should we stay? Do I need to bring my swimming goggles? How long should we be on the road?”
I explained to him that since we did not have much money, we would go for an adventure; we would bring our own food, carry our tent and stay overnight on the beach. So the next day, we went off and enjoyed the scenery of the island.
Unfortunately, in the afternoon my friend got sick and we were forced to stay in a modest beach resort because we forgot to bring our tent.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks about a kind of adventure – a faith adventure. He invites people to go on a journey with him. When he invites, he wants not only quick “Yes, sure” responses, but also urgent action and total faith in him.
Today, Jesus may not invite us in person, but we always encounter situations when we need to respond to the needs of other people. “Should I help this stranger?” “Should I visit this sick friend?” “Should I forgive this enemy?” “Should I give time to listen to this troubled person?”
At times when we are so busy with many things, and in situations when we ourselves are also in great need of help, it is difficult to say “Yes, sure” and respond to the needs of others. However, with faith and confidence in Jesus, answering his call in everyday life experiences could become a wonderful adventure.
