Monday 29 June 2026 - I will follow you

Monday 29 July 2026

Today is Monday the 29th of June, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. In today’s reflection, we will pray with the idea of what it costs to follow Jesus. As you listen to Jon Guerra singing, ‘Take Up Your Cross’, become aware of Jesus’ loving presence with you. If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it If anyone claims to worship God Let him give all away Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it What would it profit a man If he gains the whole world And forfeits his soul What would it profit a man at all What would it profit a man If he dies with a barn full of silver and gold What would it profit a man at all If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 8:18-22 Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ In our passage today, Jesus speaks of the “cost of following”. When the scribe declares that he will follow Jesus wherever he goes, we might have expected Jesus to respond with a lighter tone, some congratulatory remarks, or even a pat on the back. Instead, Jesus responds by saying, “follow me, and I promise it will be tough.” How do you feel about this challenging invitation? If Jesus was inviting you to follow him here, what would be the first thing that you would want to “sort out” before feeling free to fully join him? Are you able to give that up? As this short passage is read again, imagine the scene, with you in it, perhaps in the place of the scribe – share what it feels like to speak these words to Jesus, and to hear his reply. Matthew 8:18-22 Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ "I will follow you wherever you go." Are these words you want to speak to Jesus now, in response to his challenge? Perhaps you would choose different words. Whatever it is you want to say, speak to the Lord who is listening to you now. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen