June 30, 2019 the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

1 Kings 19:16, 19-21

Psalm 16

Galatians 5:1, 13-18

Luke 9:51-62

I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.  Ps. 16:8

“Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”  Lk. 9:59

Lord, most of us are pretty good at offering excuses for something we’ve done or been asked to do but didn’t.   Both Elisha and your followers wanted to delay their responses to a call to discipleship.  Saying good bye to family and burying a father are good and worthy things to do.  What we don’t know, of course, is what was really going on in their hearts.  You see into the hearts of all those you call to follow you.  I guess our response comes down to how we choose to stack our priorities.  What comes first in my life?  How do I use my gifts, my money, and my time?  You are well aware that I have a lot going on.  I have to make a living and carry out other family and community responsibilities.  Lord, I believe you have called me to follow you as a parent, grandparent, spouse, single person or child.   I also believe I am your precious and glorious child and you love me.  So guide me today to perform each task according to your will.  Show me that to love my neighbor is to love you.  May I keep you ever before me every day.   Amen.