Follow Me

An expression that has become very popular in our language today is ‘Follow Me’ – it now generally refers to a social network site like Twitter, we hear people say ‘Follow me on Twitter’  - this kind of ‘following’ however is pretty passive – when we are called to Follow Jesus he tells us there will be sacrifices involved, He never sugar coats what lies ahead for Himself and His followers.

This Sunday and next, the Gospel of St. Matthew reflects the continuing revelation of just who Jesus is and what that means for us.  In the discussion between Jesus and Peter this Sunday, Peter speaks of an understanding he is told has been revealed to him by the Father, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 

As the discussion continues and Jesus tells the disciples what this will mean for Him, impending suffering, death, and resurrection, Peter is rebuked when he says, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you."   Not only does Jesus denounce this, He goes further to say that "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Dr. Jim and Mrs. Terry Hake serving in Cameroon

Does following Jesus make life easy?  Usually not.  How often are Mission Doctors and their families asked – “Why would you walk away from all this country has to offer in the field of medicine? Why would you leave your friends and families behind to serve in Africa or Latin America? Why would you do this in such economically uncertain times?  How frustrating is it for doctors to be unable to provide for their patients in Africa all that could be provided for them here?

Keeping the good news in our hearts makes it much easier to remember that we are indeed called to take up our cross and follow Him. For some this means actually leaving home and caring for the poor and suffering in the world, for everyone it means living our lives in such a way that puts the other at the center of our decisions and actions.  Not passively following Jesus as someone follows a social network, but living our lives knowing that this is what actually matters. “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?”

Beatitudes

This Sunday we will hear the beautiful and familiar Sermon on the Mount, the Gospel reading that gives us the Beatitudes. These Beatitudes are a hopeful message of God’s love and gives us the template against which we can hold our actions.

Am I poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure of heart, am I a peacemaker?
Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness and am I willing to be persecuted for it?

The dedicated doctors and their families that serve in the missions are indeed poor in spirit living simply for the sake of their faithful service. And sadly, due to limited resources they have far too many opportunities to mourn at the bedside of a patient.

At times faced with the inequities they experience, I know they have a deep hunger for a remedy that would address the underlying injustices.

Matthew goes on beyond the Beatitudes quoting Jesus "You are the light of the world." "...your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."

The good that is done by Mission Doctors is a form of this light, may others may see the good and give glory to God!

How are you finding ways to live the Beatitudes and be the light of the world?