Lent: Journey According To LukeSample

JOINING A REVOLUTION

DEVOTION
What did the huge crowds flocking to be with Jesus think they were doing? Faced with such apparent ‘success’ Jesus turns his focus to his closest followers, his disciples. If this inner circle of followers is not clear on what it means to be a disciple there is no hope for the crowds. Jesus lays down the challenge of integrity – everything that we might well prefer hidden will be revealed one day, so integrity is the only logical option.
Jesus lays down the challenge of fearless devotion to him in the face of opposition and persecution – it is ‘when’ not ‘if’ his disciples are hauled before the authorities.

Jesus lays down the challenge of accepting the testimony of the Spirit. If we set our hearts and minds against the Spirit, the one who brings us to Jesus, then we should not be surprised that we end up far away from Jesus and unforgiven in our hardhearted rebellion.

FOR REFLECTION
How can you embrace this call to a personal ‘revolution’ more fully?
In what ways do you lessen the challenge when Jesus says, ‘Come, and follow me’?
How can you be better informed and more faithful in praying for Christian sisters and brothers around the world who are facing opposition and persecution for the sake of Jesus?

PRAYER
Father I confess my reluctance to stand out as a devoted disciple of Jesus. Save me from fearing the wrong people and things. Grant me the inner renewal that produces a life of integrity so that I may testify in word and deed to the grace I have received through Jesus. Keep me faithful in prayer for my brothers and sisters facing persecution for the name of Jesus.