Following Jesus


Friday of the 7th week of Eastertide

John 21:15-19

We follow that which we love.  It may be a person or an object.

Following entails an offering of life itself, inclusive of all time, talent, and treasure for that which we love.

Following Jesus entails the following:

First, that we follow Jesus in the world of goodness.  This implies a direct choice to follow what is good and avoid what is evil.  It implies our sincere desire to enter into heaven in the realm of goodness.

Second, following Jesus implies that we follow Jesus in his words and actions as the path to the ultimate good.  We heed Jesus' command to sell everything we own, give them to the poor, and come follow him.  Are we ready for it?

Third, following Jesus entails following him even to the cross.  St. Paul's life is exactly like that of Jesus.  The moment he enters into Jerusalem, he would be tried and put to death like what happened to Jesus.  He even appealed to be sent to Rome, foreshadowing Jesus' command to proclaim the Good News even to the ends of the earth.

We follow Jesus simply because we love.  If we truly love the Lord, we shall follow him.  Are there people who enter heaven by not following Jesus?  No one.  We should make a conscious choice to follow him.

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