Contents
Introduction
After the revelation of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah of God; after Jesus’ explanation of the implication of his being the anointed One of God; and after listing the conditions of being his disciple (cf. Luke 9:18–24), Jesus heads to Jerusalem, the final destination of his mission and the locus (place) where his mission will be consummated (cf. Luke 9:51). Therefore, with the solemn formula now it happened that as the days drew near for him to be taken up, he resolutely turned his face towards Jerusalem in Luke 9:51, Luke begins the great account of Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. From this moment, Jesus constantly journeys towards Jerusalem (cf. 9:51.53.57; 10:38). This is the journey of the suffering messiah, who however, will resurrect after three days, and will later ascend to the Father, who will in turn, send the Holy Spirit to the disciples, to continue to proclamation of the message of salvation.
Discipleship and tolerance.
To tolerate means to accept or support with patience unpleasant or painful things, situations or conditions; to admit the presence or the company of someone whose presence is not so much appreciated; to admit and respect opinions and/or convictions different from ours; to accept with comprehension and understanding other people’s attitudes and behaviours even if we disapprove them.
Now, concerning tolerance, in the first place, tolerance could be described as the physical or spiritual ability to bear or support things, situations or conditions that can be harmful or unpleasant. In this case, we could talk of tolerance to the cold, tolerance to bad governance, tolerance of the organism to certain medicine, tolerance to an unfavourable climate, tolerance of the insensibility and godlessness of those in authority. Then, by extension, tolerance refers to attitude of a person that allows or accepts political convictions, religious convictions, ethics, etc., or behaviours that differ from his/hers. Furthermore, it is also the demonstration of understanding, indulgence and/or comprehension for the errors, shortcomings or defects of others. Tolerance does not mean impassivity or passivity. Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself. Tolerance is love and serving one another in love. This is the underlying theme and message of Paul’s message to the Galatian Christians in 5:1–18 (cf. Second Reading). Tolerance is not a favour. It is an obligation.
Conclusion
There are many ways of answering the call to discipleship. Marriage is one of such ways. Like the Sacrament of Orders, Marriage is also a vocation. Just as we have vocation to the Priesthood and to the Professed Life, so also we have vocation to the Married Life. As Jeff Jones rightly observes “discipleship is the ongoing, lifelong process of discerning and living out God’s call to be the person God created you to be as you participate in God’s purpose in creation in your particular time and place.” And I would add, in your particular vocation and profession.
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SUNDAY REFLECTIONS” (vols. I‑II-III)!! The reflection for the 13th Sunday is found in The Word of Life, vol. III, pages 346–357. Happy reading!
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