Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola is an extended retreat (either 30 days or 30 weekly meetings) where an individual spends time in prayerful reflection on God, His love for us, and our response. One part of the Exercises is titled “The Call of Christ, Our King”. During this time of prayer, a person is called to imagine Jesus standing before him or her and calling the individual to join Him in working with Him to spread the Kingdom to all people. When we agree to join Jesus, we say “yes” to the suffering, rejections, and struggles as well as the glory, but we understand that through every experience Jesus is always with us. Today’s scripture readings offer some insights into what it might mean to answer this call of Christ. By following Christ, we are called to look at all parts of our lives and see where we are called to live a “new” way. To be a disciple, we are invited to hear the call and follow in obedience where Jesus leads us.
In the gospel reading, some of the Jewish people were questioning Jesus about his recommendations for fasting with his disciples. Jesus responds with explaining that His ways are not the ways of the world. He goes on to say that His ways are so different that it will be difficult if not impossible to blend his radical ways with the norms of society. He compares His kingdom with new wine that must be placed in new wine skins, since new wine in old skins will “burst the skins and both the wine and skins will be ruined.” (Mark 2: 22) Jesus calls those that follow Him to a new way of living. He knows that His disciples will be “set apart” and because of this they may face persecution, betrayal, and even death. Jesus knows these human experiences because He lived this radical life. He invites us to join Him realizing that although there may be suffering this is nothing in comparison to the glory that His kingdom will bring.
The first reading explains the importance of the high priest in offering sacrifices for the sins of the people. Jesus, like the high priests before Him, was called and chosen by the Father. His role as high priest, however, was like no other. Because He was sinless, He did not need to offer sacrificial offerings for himself. Jesus, with complete obedience to the Father’s will chose to suffer and even die for the sins of others, and He therefore becomes the “source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.”(Heb 5:9) His “perfect” offering of self opens the gates of heaven for all of those who believe.
As I reflect on these readings, it makes me consider where in my life I am being called to live more radically the truths of the kingdom. Whether at home, work, or in my daily routines, am I trying to be a “new wine” being placed in “old wineskins”? Are there places in my life where I recognize that living a life of discipleship does not blend into the daily choices I am making? Could there be things I need to change? Maybe I need to change what I watch on TV. Maybe I need to become more aware and generous with the time and money for those in need. Maybe I need to make even bigger changes like changing jobs, downsizing property, or moving to a different place in order to more completely answer the call. Although all of these choices may seem challenging, I know I am called to make these changes not because I am forced to by God’s demands. When I truly acknowledge and recognize God’s great love for me, then I can be assured that His call to change and live a radical life is what will bring me true joy. As I take His hand to allow Him to lead me forward, not only do I step forward to follow Him on this worldly journey, but I look forward to the promise that I will be with Him forever in His eternal kingdom.
If you imagined Jesus calling you by name and asking you to follow Him, what would you say? Are you ready to accept all that being a disciple entails- obedience to THE king? Spend some time today reflecting on your call to be a disciple of Christ. Are there ways that you can more completely, more generously, more lovingly say “Yes” to Jesus? As we each choose to hear the call and respond in a deeper way, may we be filled with His grace and go forth together to share His kingdom with the world.
Heavenly Father, You called Jesus to give of Himself completely to expiate our sins. In His total obedience to You, Jesus shows us how we are called to live and follow Him. We pray that you send your Holy Spirit down upon us, so we may be open to hear the call of Jesus, and follow in humble obedience to where we are led. May we be united with Jesus, so together as your people we may help bring His kingdom to earth as we await the heavenly kingdom and our eternal home. We pray all of this in Christ’s name.
AMEN
Marylynn Herchline