Reflections on Scripture | Monday of the 13th 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
Matthew 9:14-17

When Jesus saw a crowd around him,
he gave orders to cross to the other shore.
A scribe approached and said to him,
"Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."
Jesus answered him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."
Another of his disciples said to him,
"Lord, let me go first and bury my father."
But Jesus answered him, "Follow me,
and let the dead bury their dead."

Reflection

The setting for this passage is Jesus giving orders to cross to the other shore. I believe that's a symbol of the invitation he is placing within their hearts, that they have to make a transition from the old to the new. And anytime there is a transition that's deep and powerful, you want a place that's familiar. You want to go to a place where you can nest.

But that's not what happens when you're taking on a whole new way of seeing the world. And so Jesus is saying very clearly, look, I need you to make a decision. It's an urgent decision. Don't worry about finding a place of rest. Transition is uncomfortable, but essential.

Closing Prayer

Father, we need to trust in your way. You've told us you are the way, the truth in life. When you call us to transformation, we have to follow. We need to do what you're calling us to in order to create the kingdom of God here on this earth. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross