Too blessed to be stressed – Thursday, 29th Week in ordinary time – Lk 12:49-53
This one knocked me off my feet; the Lord no less is stressed! And he seems really stressed for he exclaims, “What stress I am under”. It seems like the challenges of the modern age also resonated two thousand years ago. So what got our good Jesus so wound up?
Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem and we were given an insight into his disposition. At the end of his Galilean ministry, Luke tells us that Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem” (9:51). For Jesus there is no looking back on his calling to the cross. He is resolute in his decision.
Scripture tells us that Jesus was like us in all things but sin so quite clearly he was not exempted from stress, which he so readily admits to. The Greek word for stress mentioned in this text is ‘synecho’ which translates as a distress or a feeling of being squeezed or pressed in. Jesus understands fully the consequences of this resolute march to Jerusalem which he must complete.
However it is not only the Lord who walks resolutely to Jerusalem but even the disciples will have to make this long march. Following Jesus is no walk in the park. The disciple will have to make a clear choice for Jesus who is bound to set them against their own family and friends.
Fr. Warner D'Souza is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Bombay. He has served in the parishes of St Michael's (Mahim), St Paul's (Dadar East), Our Lady of Mount Carmel, (Bandra), a ten year stint as priest-in-charge at St Jude Church (Malad East) and at present is the Parish Priest at St Stephen's Church (Cumballa Hill). He is also the Director of the Archdiocesan Heritage Museum and is the co-ordinator of the Committee for the Promotion and Preservation of the Artistic and Historic Patrimony of the Church.
Absolutely love the reflection today
I would like to know your thoughts on Pope Francis’ recent words, which has also virtually, if not physically, divided the Church right now.
The theme of division works so well with what’s happening in the Catholic Church right now.
Although I personally feel his statements of creating a Civil Union for same sex people to protect their rights and dignity is a good move, many people, even Church leaders beg to differ. It would be so wonderful if you could share your thoughts about this!
Awaiting your response, dear Father. God bless you!
I have only heard of the documentary. I have not seen it or received the transcription of the text. In any case the world has always been a series of thesis, anti- thesis and synthesis.