Reflections on Scripture | Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Luke 9:51-56

When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled,
he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,
and he sent messengers ahead of him.
On the way they entered a Samaritan village
to prepare for his reception there,
but they would not welcome him
because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.
When the disciples James and John saw this they asked,
"Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven
to consume them?"
Jesus turned and rebuked them,
and they journeyed to another village.

Reflection

The message of Jesus was radically different than the message of the Old Testament. And for those who knew the Old Testament well, as the Samaritans did, were very slow to understand the message of Jesus because they already had a fixed image of who God is, which is the greatest limitation to anyone.

Understanding and receiving the message of Jesus is to be too rigidly attached to something that they know already. Jesus seems to understand that because He basically said to the disciples who thought they should be punished for this infraction of disbelief, He just said, 'No leave them alone. I have a journey to make.’

Closing Prayer

Father, we resist so many things because we are familiar with another way in which we see you or your Father or the Holy Spirit. Bless us with openness to everything you long for us to see. Let us focus on your presence within us as the source of truth. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross