What Is Jesus Asking of Us In Today’s Gospel?

Today we hear Jesus rattle off many demands of discipleship in the Gospel and it calls to mind where we may need conversion in our lives to be closer disciples of Jesus. 

Jesus asks us to bring minimal things for the journey. Have we loaded ourselves up with stuff? Are we living with simplicity?

Jesus asks to take what we are given. Are we critical of what we are given? Are we never satisfied? Do we look around for what’s better? 

Jesus asks us to stay focused on the mission He gives us. In this case, it was healing the sick. Are we getting distracted by other things on that mission, or are we centered on our purpose? 

Jesus asks us to bring peace to each person we meet on the journey. Are we doing that? Or are we getting caught up in conflict and disagreement?

Jesus asks us to shake it off when we are dismissed. Do we do that or do we hold a grudge and breed resentment?

As a Secular Franciscan, this is one of those Gospels that is paramount to my vocation and I reflect on it often. What was underlying all of these asks from Jesus? Does He want us to live a miserable life? I don’t think so. He wants us to be focused on His mission and living a life in solidarity and closeness to Him. 

When we’re distracted, dissatisfied, full of earthly stuff, in conflict with others, and unable to shake off the rejection of others, He knows these are barriers to living a full life of discipleship – they are barriers of the mind and heart. We can’t be all He wants us to be. They will derail us. 

So think about whether your life of discipleship needs some conversion to walk more closely with Jesus in any of these ways, and be more dedicated to His mission.