Follow Me

 

While He says, “follow me”, “we say lead me”.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Saturday of 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Year II, January 13th, 2024                                                                                                   Texts: 1 Samuel 9:1-4.17-19; 10:1; Psalm 21; Mark 2:13-17  

Today we reflect on the word of Jesus to the son of Alphaeus: “Follow me.” The initiative to follow Him is not from us, He chose us to follow Him. Nevertheless, He does not force us to follow Him, He allows us to choose to follow Him. The response is our initiative. While He says, “follow me”, we say "lead me”. We cannot follow Him unless we allow Him to lead. Hence, it requires open ears and eyes or else we will miss Him and the way. We fix our eyes on Him and always listening to hear from Him.   

In leading us He dictates the pace and the way. This means the time belongs to Him, we get to the destination at His own time. The call, follow me, also leaves some questions begging for answers. Follow to where? What is the purpose? Only the one who calls knows the purpose and the destination. It is a call to submit and commit ourselves to Him. Hence, we read about the son of Alphaeus thus: “And he rose and followed him.” This, being the case, all we say as we follow Him is “Thy will be done”. Response to the call needs open our minds and complete trust.   

Following Jesus Christ is not for the righteous

Jesus directs the call to sinners. Following Jesus Christ is not for the righteous. Jesus Christ says, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." This affirms His redemptive mission. We participate in the redemption by following Him. Hence, the call, follow me, is an invitation to follow the path of redemption. In responding to the call, we give ourselves up for redemption. The response is an acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as the redeemer, the Saviour of human race.   

He is the leader that God has given to us. Saul is a figure of Him. Jesus Christ perfectly fulfils the word of God to Samuel: "Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall rule over my people." While Kish sent Saul to search for lost asses, God sent Jesus to search for sinners. This shows that Jesus Christ is the true leader of the people of God. He delivered us from the enemies, the devil, and thus becomes the leader of the redeemed.    

Prayer   

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for leading us in the path of redemption; may we always keep our eyes fix on You and our ears open to hear Your word. Amen   

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke