No Turning Back

Did you ever travel with a driver who took a wrong turning and is now hopelessly lost. The last thing, he,  (yes, I think, mostly “he”) will do, is return to the place where the basic mistake was made. And, as for stopping and simply asking for help, seeking direction - forget that one!

For those who follow Jesus there is no turning back, even to burying the dead.

There was a time, when Jesus Himself did not answer the call to return to  his friend Lazarus who was ill,  but remained two more days where he was. When he did return Lazarus was already dead and  when  invited to go to the tomb of Lazarus we are told: “Jesus wept.”

The gospel today is not about us,  and how we wish to turn back, have second thoughts, regret having begun the journey in the first place or refusing to ask  for help. It is  rather about choosing to travel and stay with the One who resolutely takes the road to Jerusalem, the place of suffering, but also the place of glory.

Michael McCullagh C.M.

1st July, 2007