It's doubtful that Jesus would be hired as a personnel director for a Fortune 500 company. Imagine the lawsuits that would occur if a company employee gave such brusque and seemingly insulting replies to a potential applicant as Jesus does in today's Gospel passage!

Unfortunately, it's also unlikely that Jesus, despite the fact that He is Head of the Church (Eph 1:22), would be approved as a parish personnel director today. It's hard to find good help in our church ministries. When we finally get someone who is willing to work, the last thing we typically want to do is to run them off by taking away their desk (Lk 9:58) or challenging their sincerity (Lk 9:60ff).

The Lord's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Is 55:8). His ways and thoughts tower above ours, as high as the heavens are above the earth (Is 55:9). Although Jesus is certainly concerned about ministry, discipleship is His highest priority (see Mt 28:19). He calls a would-be disciple to total commitment. Joshua (Jos 24:19), John the Baptizer (Mt 3:7-8), Peter (Acts 8:20-21), and Paul (Acts 15:37-38) were like Jesus in that they all challenged those who said they were ready to commit to the Lord.

Calling others to a total commitment means that we will be rejected more often. However, it also means that we will raise up some totally committed, fruitful disciples who will build up the kingdom of God.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 3, 2018

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