Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Following Jesus will cost you everything. How glorious! Whenever you start calculating the cost of being a disciple, you have already compromised with God. When Jesus speaks to you and says, “Follow me,” you cannot make excuses or delay your response. Jesus may not ask you a second time.
The Gospel for today recalls three individuals, each of whom responded differently to the call of Jesus to follow Him. St. Luke did not reveal what became of them, but the implication is not good based on Our Lord’s replies. Jesus requires that we follow Him in poverty of spirit, without attachments to family or even to sentiment. When God calls, all other things and people must pass away in order to give God an adequate response.
Do not be afraid to follow Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. (Jn. 14:6) Following Jesus, as difficult as it may seem, always leads to blessedness in this life and eternal life in Heaven. As Jesus asks you to follow Him, say ‘yes’ without conditions. “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Mt. 16:25)
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 