23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
There are many wishful thinkers in the world today, who talk a good talk, but never do anything. They are unprepared to take that next step, make the leap of faith, to look forward and to succeed. Whether worldly or spirituality.
In the gospel today, Jesus is addressing a large crowd who are super eager to join him, and become his disciples. However, Jesus bluntly dampers their enthusiasm by challenging them in a way that is off-putting. Jesus is looking for total commitment, he is basically saying: If you want to be my disciples, you have to think seriously first. Do not act on the spur of the moment, or on an impulse. It is important to give careful consideration to what it is going to cost you. Jesus is not inviting us for a day’s or a month’s worth of commitment, but a lifetime’s worth of service.
In any big decision in life, either buying a house, a car, going on holiday, we take time to consider to options, what is it going to cost, either financially of emotionally. The same to for discernment. Looking into the Priesthood, Religious, or Married life, we take time to consider if it’s the right thing to do. We talk about it to others, we reflect upon it, meditate and more importantly pray about it. But in the end, we have to push ourselves through, in taking the next steps, that can be difficult and scary to complete.
For marriage, it’s the big step of proposing, with bended knee, with a possible fear of rejection. Knowing that marriage is a life long commitment of caring for each other, in sickness and in health.
For men and women looking into Religious life, then it’s the solemn vows and promises you make to the Lord, in a life time of service to his Holy Church.
When I was discerning for the Priesthood, it took years for me to get the ball rolling. In 2010, Pope Benedict came to the UK for the Beatification of Cardinal Henry Newman. I went down, with a group from my local parish to Birmingham for the event. It was such a wonderful occasion, and at the end of that day, I said to myself: ‘enough time thinking about the priesthood, it is now time to get the ball rolling.’ So, the next week I contacted the vocations director and started my monthly meetings.
When the time arrived for me to sell my possessions when leaving for Oscott college, it was very difficult. The thought of being a student again after many years, made me nervous. Resigning from my job at Preston Hospital, giving notice for my flat, selling my furniture and being left with minimal possessions, felt very uncomfortable. I remember the final night in my flat, I was sitting on a single stool listing to the radio on my mobile phone. Since my TV, sofa and chairs were already sold, and my room was extremely empty. I said to myself, with an intake of breath and a large sigh from the heart: I hope I am doing the right thing, in the eyes of God.
I can honestly say, joining the Priesthood is the best thing I’ve ever done. True, the training lasted for seven years in total, it had many ups and downs, but it was all part of God’s divine plan. I heard his call and I answered, openly and honestly.
As you know, a Priest’s main role is to administer the Sacraments of the Church and to help people in their Spiritual lives. Focusing on saving souls, and bringing the Lord Jesus to God’s faithful people.
A priest is there throughout all the stages of ones life. Shortly after birth, at their baptism.
In primary school, teaching them the importance of the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion.
In secondary school, teaching them to carry on with their faith themselves through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
In Marriage, teaching them of God’s love and grace within the family home, to treat each other with respect, because we are made in the image and likeness of God.
In Sickness, through the Sacrament of the sick and the anointing with sacred oils.
In death and dying, through the Last Rights, before they die, asking the Lord for the remission of all their sins, through the prayer of the Apostolic pardon.
So, let us today, take the next step in our lives, by saying ‘yes’ to God’s plan, like Mary did, and we can then follow the Lord Jesus, faithfully and honestly in a lifetime of service and steadfast commitment to the building up of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rev. Fr Philip Wrigley's Blog 