Alone, First, Last?

In looking at the Gospel for this Sunday, I have noticed the interesting juxtaposition with last week’s Gospel. Last week was focused more on the individual making a choice to follow Jesus. Jesus seems to say that it doesn’t matter what those around you choose. It matters not even what your family chooses to do. What matters is what you choose to do? Suffice it to say, Jesus tenders an invitation and as individuals, we are given the freedom to respond. The existence of this text is indicative of the fact that families and intimates, in the early life of the Church, did not universally accept Jesus’ invitation. So, this text was an explanation of experience.

Shifting to our upcoming Gospel text, Jesus seems to be espousing a more holistic vision of the Kingdom. True, Jesus speaks in terms of being part of it, or not. But, he seems to be talking in a more collective fashion. Jesus seems to direct his comments to a group of people that think they are part, but in actuality are not. He speaks of the first and last, and the reversal of that order in the Kingdom. First and last probably had something to do with status and position, both religious and economic.

Luke’s Gospel presents us with a unified vision. We choose Jesus as individuals. Yet, the community is the first gift of that choice. At the same time, the nature of the community is critical. Jesus’ words to those that think they are justified, but are not, serve as a warning to all. You are not fine, simply because you are surrounded with people that think all is well.

St. Paul talks about the discernment of spirits. To paraphrase Paul’s thinking, good spirits are known to be good, because they bring about good. We are challenged to examine ourselves, choose Christ and stick with it. The Holy Spirit will be known through the fact we are being built up. We are also challenged to constantly examine the nature of our particular Christian community. Are we living the Gospel? Have we lost our way because we are so sure we are first? If the fruit of a spirit’s work is destruction, it is not the Holy Spirit.