By Joseph Inbaraj csc –
Readings: Gen 18: 16-33; Mt 8: 18-22
The readings of the day invites us to bring a radical change in our priorities. Before architects design any new building, they ask, “What is the purpose of the building? How will it be used?” The intended function always determines the form of the building.
In the same way as God created us, he had a role for us in mind that he wanted us to play. When we base our worth and identity on things of this world and relationships, we may be caught up with expectations of others. And that may not allow us to really serve God. That is why Jesus said, “The foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the son of man has nowhere to lay his head.” And called his disciples by saying “Follow me and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”
The ultimate purpose of our creation is to serve the people of God and meet the needs of the people in the ministry we are called to do. During this crisis of Covid-19 pandemic, so many people are dying because of fear, lack of food, oxygen, ventilators, and so on. Are we willing to be one of those who are involving themselves in helping the people in need? It does not matter what our age is, or what our job is, or where we are, rather God is ready to make use of us towards helping others.
But we are not ready to come forward, like the disciple who said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Let us ask God to play a vital role in us. And may our right conviction and firm commitment make us true disciples of Jesus.