I have written of the importance of Luke 9:51 on several occasions. This verse marks the beginning of the second part of St. Luke's Gospel. Scripture scholars refer to Luke 3:1 through Luke 9:50 as the Galilean ministry. With today's reading, we embark on the "journey to Jerusalem" where Jesus will lay down his life for the sake of our salvation. Everything from this point on must be read with this purpose in mind. All of the preaching, all of the parables, and each encounter with Jesus as he makes his way to Jerusalem is colored by his "resolute" determination to make his way to Jerusalem.
Interestingly, the Gospel also records that the disciples have failed to understand the purpose of Jesus' ministry. They are still convinced that the Messiah must be a person who imposes his will on the world with power, with fire and brimstone. When they encounter the Samaritans who refuse Jesus permission to cross through their territory, the disciples ask: Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them? (Luke 9:54b) By this simple question, the disciples reveal that they have not been able to comprehend the message that Jesus has been preaching. God will save us by relinquishing power and by being handed over to sinners.
I daresay the same thought has crossed my mind on several occasions when I have been confronted with the reality of sin. Wouldn't it be "loverly" if God would reach down and punish the offending sinners? Why doesn't God send the angel of death to deal with the sinners, much the same as he did in the Book of Exodus when Pharoah obstinately refused to let the Israelites go. Why must we put up with those whose very lives mock God's law?
Notice, however, that Jesus rebukes his disciples for such thoughts. In asking for God to rain down fire from heaven, they have judged the Samaritans, and through that judgment, they themselves have sinned. Once again we find the creature taking on the role and office of the Creator. God does not need our help in judging the sinner. Rather, we should be at work to transform the world by our virtue and leave the judgment to God.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator