Evangelist Luke introduces the resolute decision of Jesus to go to Jerusalem, saying that he “sets his face hard.” Luke’s attempt while writing this passage is likely to respond to questions raised by the Christians of his community: how should they react against those obstructing their ‘journey’ with Christ, those who oppose the ‘way?’
To understand this text, we must remember that adherence to Christ is presented in the Gospels with the image of a journey. To believe in Jesus means to travel the same road with him. In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke introduced Saul as one who persecuted “those who belong to the Way” (Acts 9:2). In Ephesus, some refused to believe, “criticising the way publicly” (Acts 19:9).
A choice to follow “the Way” was, therefore, a life-changing decision – a choice between life and death. Luke recalls the example that Jesus had set on his journey to Jerusalem. He put on a resolute face as he made his way to Jerusalem because he would face torture and crucifixion there. However, nothing could deter him from making this journey and the sacrifice.
As the journey to Jerusalem begins, some people block his way. The Samaritans refused to accept Jesus in their village. Luke must have been comparing their opposition with the hostility against those who followed “the Way” in his time. There is always someone that stands along the way, obstructing our journey in faith. How do we counter them?
James and John represent those disciples who believe that those who oppose Jesus must be destroyed. They were aware of the story of prophet Elijah who made fire from heaven rain down upon the wicked of his time (2 Kings 1:10-14). Therefore, their proposal was “to call down fire from heaven to reduce them to ashes!” There are many friends for James and John in the world today, where nations in war choose to rain down fire upon their enemies, destroying the people and their cities.
Those who follow the Lord and accept his life proposal are not called to fight holy wars or to proclaim crusades against infidels but called to follow the Master. The time of fanaticism — which appears so often in the Old Testament — is over. The only fire that comes down from heaven is the fire of the Spirit who transforms people’s hearts. Attacks of lies, deception and violence against Christians cannot be retaliated with aggression but respond with love and blessings of God.
“Jesus turned and rebuked them severely” (v. 56). “Rebuke” was the term used by the evangelists to refer to exorcism. When Jesus drove out demons, he rebuked the devil. By rebuking the disciples, Jesus performs an exorcism on these two, possessed by the devil of hatred, anger and contempt.
The journey continues, and Luke introduces three vocation stories. The first man wanted to follow the Lord, but Jesus presents an unappetising prospect: be ready to renounce everything if you wish to follow Jesus.
For your reflection:
The whole creation eagerly awaits the coming of the Kingdom of God. Every moment is precious. They cannot waste time in gossip, useless discussions, and debates on trivial matters while the world urgently needs the announcement of the Gospel.
Father Fernando
Armellini SCJ
