Luke 9:53
They would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.
Today the Church celebrates the memorial of a little soul, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. She once made a statement that, if reflected upon, has the power to transform our lives: "God cannot inspire unrealizable desires". What do I desire in this life? Do I desire friendship with the Lord? Do I desire to be continually transformed, conversion of heart? In today's Gospel Jesus was denied entrance into a village because of his destination – Jerusalem, the place where he committed to journey toward to suffer his passion. This commitment sprung out from a desire to save us from our sin. To modern ears this sounds counter-intuitive. "You're going to suffer death for the fulfillment of your desires?"
Often times, I think I reject Christ's entry into my heart because I know he is calling me to sacrifice. I'm predisposed to think that my desires cannot be fulfilled if I walk toward something that isn't necessarily pleasant. However, there is life in death for the Christian! Jesus may whisper in our hearts today a desire for humility, of a dying to our ego. In those ordinary moments of life let us ask him for strength so as to see this desire realized.
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Elvi J. Moya, Pre-Theology II
Home parish: Nativity, Brandon
Did you know...
I'm of Dominican descent, was born in New Jersey, and graduated from USF's College of Nursing. I love Our Lady and entrust my vocation to her Immaculate Heart!
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and relgious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.
