The Gospel of Luke, chapter 9:62

Those who have gone to the school of hard knocks often deride young college students as idealists who are out of touch with reality. Book learning may help, it is said, but, in the long run, there is no script for life. There is much truth in this. We learn to swim by swimming, we learn to be an orator by speaking in public, we learn to be a writer by writing, we learn to be a free nation by shouldering the responsibilities of freedom. Similarly, we learn to be Christian by discerning the message of the Gospel, by following it, and by being reminded of it constantly. The following of Jesus is, like most worthwhile endeavors, a practical art that we learn by doing.

At first glance the words of Jesus to those desirous of following Him seem a trifle blunt: “Let the dead bury their dead.” Jesus wanted his followers to feel the intensity and necessity of His mission. He did not want mumblers, nay-sayers and fencesitters. Jesus’ followers must get it straight that following Him is a lifetime commitment, one all wrapped around and flooded through with God’s life and presence. There is no room on this journey for those lukewarm travelers who are prepared to follow, only if there is a quick exit always in sight. Jesus insisted on a steady spirit, a whole hearted response to His message: “Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is unfit for the reign of God.

The only way to be a Christian is by becoming a willing practitioner. We can learn from the example of Jesus how to make our journey through life. But this personal journey must be learned by heart and by doing.

That’s the best way to learn; that’s the best way to follow Him.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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