And He Got Up And Followed Jesus

January 14, 2012

Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Then, from a flask he had with him, Samuel poured oil on Saul's head; he also kissed him, saying: "The LORD anoints you commander over his heritage. You are to govern the LORD's people Israel, and to save them from the grasp of their enemies roundabout. "This will be the sign for you that the LORD has anointed you commander over his heritage." 1 Samuel 10:1

Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed Jesus. Mark 2:13-14

Piety

Father we offer to you our prayer of Thanksgiving for the ministry of your new permanent deacons -- Dave Mauer, Dennis Holley and their brothers who are being ordained today. May these men and all who are called to follow you, lead us in their lives of piety, study and action. Amen.

Study

Is this the Year of Obedience? That's the theme which has been jumping off the pages (screens?) of the readings this year and into my head.

Maybe that is the independent rebel in me fighting off the call and acting more like the leper who could not obey Jesus' simple request this week (not to tell anyone he had been healed). Instead, the leper acted more like the angels on Christmas morning blaring their trumpets from the heights of the mountains.

It seems so easy to just be like Levi. Jump down from the tree and obey. Ignore what other people will say about cavorting with sinners and tax collectors.

It seems as if Levi was predisposed to want to follow Jesus. Why else would he have been drawn to climb that tree and get a better view of Jesus walking past? What tree will you climb to get a better view of Jesus today?

Action

Today, Dave Maurer and Dennis Holley will be among seven men ordained to the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Arlington, VA. They climbed the tree of five years of formation in order to take a giant leap forward in following Jesus.

Their hands and heads will be anointed today by Bishop Paul Loverde. Like Saul, they will help to spread the Word through their leadership, friendship and service to the Body of Christ from their families to the whole Church. Let us prayer for the success of their ministry and that through their faithful following, that they may lead us to walk the path of peace.