Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk

Jesus wants his disciples to know that there’s more to him than miracles. He wants them to know that suffering lies ahead so they’re not surprised when it comes.

In our association with Jesus we have to be sure that we’re dealing with the full Jesus–the criminal on the cross as well as the risen Lord.

As our intimacy with Jesus deepens we find him increasingly fascinating and intriguing–a mystery of love and generosity.

In today’s Gospel reading proclaiming the kingdom is the primary consideration for Jesus’ disciples. That’s the job that needs to get done.

Like Matthew we have become followers of Jesus. Our call to follow him is not due to our own special worth or virtue, but simply to the generosity of the Lord.

If we tried to remove all the obstacles to the word in our present lives we would almost certainly find that the soil we offer the Lord is much richer.