What will we leave behind to follow Jesus? Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ, reflects on the call of Jesus in today’s gospel. Based on the readings for Sunday, July 11, 2021.
What are you willing to leave behind now to come with Jesus?
Hi, my name is Patrick Saint-Jean. This is my one-minute reflection.
I used to have a cozy blanket when I was a kid. I would never leave it behind for anything in the world. When it was time to go on vacation with my parents, they would say, “Your only Job is: Wake up on time. Take nothing with you. Come with us.” When I remember that I am going to leave my blanket behind, I used to resist going, yet vacation was always fun and restful.
Today, Mark invites us to engage in a similar story where Jesus calls the twelve disciples: Take nothing for the journey. Just come.
This is Freedom.
Just like me with my parents, most of them did not refuse to come when they remembered what they were going to leave behind. Yet in return, Jesus surprised them by sharing his gift of preaching, healing and teaching.
