Fifth Sunday after Pentecost – Year C (Luke 9:51-62)

In saying that Jesus had set his face to go to Jerusalem, the evangelist isn’t talking about just any trip to the holy city. Jesus has set his face on the cross. Many saints and theologians have suggested that the Gospels should be read through the lens of the cross. How much more so, then, these few passages on evangelism and discipleship which have been placed by the Gospel writer within the context of this journey?
At the risk of skating on some very thin ice, I would like to suggest some parallels between verses in this Gospel lesson and verses in Luke’s passion narrative. First there is Jesus’ unwillingness to deal harshly with the Samaritans who reject him. “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Then there is Jesus’ response, first concerning the lack of a place for him to lay his head, and, secondly, his reference to the burial of the dead. “Then he (Joseph of Arimathea) took it (the body of Jesus) down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid.” And finally there are Jesus’ words to the would-be disciple who wants to say goodbye to his family. ” Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.”
The purpose of this little exercise is neither to be clever nor play fast and loose with the text. It is, rather, to make an important point. The way of Christian discipleship and evangelization is the way of the cross. The disciple/evangelist must expect rejection, poverty, alienation from family and friends, and, yes, perhaps even death. And in spite of this, he or she must embrace the call with determination and faithfulness. This is indeed a far cry from the so-called “prosperity gospel”.