In today’s gospel Matthew introduces us to two potential followers of Jesus who express their openness to his masterful ability to teach. Knowing that Christ most often had experienced the hostility of the scribes who held fast to the strict tradition of the Jewish law, it is certainly an amazing reversal to discover one of their members in the position of acknowledging Jesus with the honorable title of Teacher —Rabbi.
With both candidates, Jesus challenges the honesty of their readiness to follow him immediately and not look back. This, indeed, might be a good time for me to evaluate my personal commitment to Jesus. Is it whole-hearted or a bit sluggish? A good question to ponder as I go about the daily ministry to which I have been called by the Lord.
—Sr. Ann Romayne Fallon, O.P. is an Adrian Dominican sister with notable experience in high school and diocesan administration. Currently she provides pastoral ministry to the Dominican community in Adrian MI.