It can be all too easy to put off important things, such as following Jesus wholeheartedly and working for justice in the world. However, God calls us to immediate service, and will equip us for the challenge. Fr Richard reflects on today’s readings from Mass.
Readings for Monday of week 13 in ordinary time can be found here.
Like many of us, my father was renowned for putting off tasks – fixing a shelf, servicing the car, or calling the plumber. “I’ll do that when I get a round to it”, was his refrain. One day in a novelty shop I bought him a decorated plate with the inscription “A ROUND TUIT”. Underneath the title were the following words: “This is an indispensable item. It will help you to accomplish all those things you put off until you got a Round Tuit”. Now he had no excuse! Of course, the danger with putting things off is that we forget to do them entirely, and so important tasks never get done.
In our first reading the prophet Amos criticises the nation of Israel for neglecting one of the most fundamental commands of the law, namely treating everyone with justice and equity. They have forgotten to do those important things which God expects of them. Just like ourselves, when watching the TV or scrolling the internet seems more attractive than cleaning thre fridge, the leaders of Israel have enriched themselves instead of looking after others. They have let other things get in the way of doing what is right. “…They have sold the virtuous man for silver and the poor man for a pair of sandals … they trample on the heads of ordinary people”, Amos says.
In the Gospel, a would-be disciple wants to follow Jesus, but not yet. He wants to go and bury his father first. Jesus’ reply, “leave the dead to bury their dead” seems harsh, but it reminds us of the demands of following Jesus – there can be no delay, no question of saying “let me just do this first”. Jesus’ comment also remind us that discipleship is challenging. In fact, any time we stop our delaying tactics and get on with an important job, in can be tough. The task at hand might be difficult, messy, or not to our liking. In a similar way, working for justice, which Amos reminds us is crucial, can also be hard. So is always putting Jesus first, and not letting other things get in the way. Thanksfully, we always have God’s grace, given in this sacrament, to help us and to sustain us.
Mass today is in St Dyfrig & St Samson at 6.30pm.
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