follow jesus
"Follow Me." —Matthew 8:22
Several years ago, Father Al Lauer, the founder and long-time author of One Bread, One Body, passed to his eternal reward. In addition to the personal loss of a saintly mentor, I felt overwhelmed at having to follow a man who evangelized hundreds of thousands worldwide and led so many people to Jesus. Feeling unworthy and weak, I sank to the ground and asked Jesus: "How can I follow Father Al Lauer?" I distinctly heard Jesus command me: "Follow Me" (Mt 8:22). His command delivered me from fear and filled me with faith.
What matters is that Jesus commands us to follow Him. If He gives the command, then He has made the choice to call us. Because He has called us, He provides all that we need. We aren't to focus on the why. Instead, we focus on the "that" — that He has called us and chosen us (Jn 15:16). Jesus refuses to allow us to be concerned with distractions. He tells us: "Your business is to follow Me" (Jn 21:22).
When Jesus calls us to follow Him, we are set free (Jn 8:36). It's His responsibility to lead and guide. We are freed to sit at His feet, listen to Him (Lk 10:39), and follow in His steps (Lk 9:23). Are you struggling with what Jesus is asking of you? Be set free. Take care of business (Jn 21:22). Follow Jesus!
Prayer: Jesus, "though none go with me, still I will follow" You.
Promise: "Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness." —Ps 103:8
Praise: St. Cyril, a Doctor of the Church, had a profound grasp of the divinity of Jesus and defended this truth amid fierce opposition.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (For a related teaching, order our tape on Job Performance for Jesus on audio AV 43-3 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 20, 2004
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