Philip Raj csc –
Readings: Neh 2: 1-8; Lk 9: 57-62
The readings of the day invite us to be willing to respond to the needs of the hour. In the first reading, we read about the way Nehemiah was affected by the destruction of the fortress of the temple of the Lord at Judah. He wanted to do something about it, which is why he dared to request the king Artaxerxes to permit him to go down to Judah to rebuild the temple fortress. Before making the request, he earnestly prayed to God and as a result he got a positive and favourable response from the king.
In the gospel reading Jesus called some people to follow him but they failed to understand the urgency of the hour and the need. Jesus expects from us loyalty and immediate response. Usually, we wait for someone to take up the responsibility rather than we ourselves volunteer or come forward. At times, we fail to respond to the needs of the society. We are not called to be mere spectators but to be active members who involve in responding to the needs of our life situations. Let our actions first begin in our families, communities, parishes, institutions, and workplaces. Before we initiate any task or work, as Nehemiah we shall pray to God and seek the blessings of God upon us.
Today’s saint, Francis of Assisi responded to the call of Jesus with loyalty and commitment. Calling the Lord “My God, My All” he went around responding to the needs of the poor. He detached himself from all his possessions to possess the goodness of the Lord. May his relationship with God, people, and nature influence our lives too.