St. Jerome, priest & doctor 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Job 9:1-12, 14-16

 Then Job answered: Very well I know that it is so.

But how can a mortal be just before God?  If one were to contend with him, not once in a thousand times would he answer.  His power is vast, his wisdom profound. Who has resisted him and come out unharmed?  He moves mountains before they are aware; he overturns them in his rage.

 He makes the earth tremble and its pillars quake.  He commands the sun, and it does not shine;  seals off the light of the stars. He alone stretches out the skies and treads on the waves of the seas. He made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and every constellation.

 His wonders are past all reckoning, his miracles beyond all counting. He passes by, but I do not see him; he moves on, but I do not notice him.  If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

 How then can I answer him and find words to argue with him?  If he does not answer when I am right, shall I plead with my judge for mercy?  Even if I appealed and he answered, I do not believe that he would have heard.

 

Ps 88:10bc-11, 12-13, 14-15

Let my prayer come before you , Lord.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 9:57-62

 As they went on their way, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

 To another Jesus said, “Follow me.” But he answered, “Let me go back now, for first I want to bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their dead; as for you, leave them and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

 Another said to him, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family.” And Jesus said to him, “Whoever has put his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

When Jesus asks us to follow Him, He does not give itemized assurances for what lies ahead. There is no such thing as FAQ Frequently Asked Questions as offered by institutions and organizations.

We follow a person not  routine or mechanical lifestyle. Jesus; dependence on God defines the way of life He and His disciples are called to live there are no “what ifs”or “how abouts.” Jesus asks us to stay put and focused-and the rest will follow.

This does not appeal to those who drives on curve-less roads. Nowadays, people take time asking even senseless questions before committing. Nobody likes being surprised; answers should be pregiven.

We want to pursue life like a machine wherein everyting is predictable and computable. Jesus gives blanket assurance to those who follow Him. With Him there is nothing to ask and be worried of.