Overview of Day 319: Come, Follow Me (Bible in a Year — Ascension)
Father Mike Schmitz reads and reflects on Luke chapters 17–19 and Proverbs 26:13–16. He narrates the Scripture (RSV-2CE), gives pastoral commentary highlighting key themes — the seriousness of sin, gratitude, faith, humility, discipleship, and stewardship — and contrasts two responses to Jesus (the rich young ruler vs. Zacchaeus). The episode closes with practical invitations to hear Jesus’ call: “Come, follow me.”
Readings covered (brief synopsis)
- Luke 17
- Warnings about causing others to sin (millstone imagery).
- Forgiveness required between brothers; faith compared to a mustard seed.
- Parable/teaching on servants and duty.
- Healing of ten lepers — only one (a Samaritan) returns to give thanks.
- Jesus on the coming (present and future aspects) of the Kingdom; warnings illustrated with Noah and Lot metaphors; final exhortations about losing/losing life.
- Luke 18
- Parable of the persistent widow and the unrighteous judge — keep praying.
- “Will the Son of Man find faith?” — challenge to perseverance.
- Pharisee and tax collector — humility is justified, pride is humbled.
- Jesus blesses children; kingdom like a child’s receptivity.
- The rich young ruler — told to sell all, give to the poor, and follow; he goes away grieving.
- Third prediction of Jesus’ passion and resurrection (disciples don’t grasp it).
- Healing of the blind beggar near Jericho — faith restores sight.
- Luke 19
- Zacchaeus (tax collector) climbs a sycamore to see Jesus; Jesus invites Himself to Zacchaeus’ house; Zacchaeus repents and restores stolen goods; Jesus declares salvation has come.
- Parable of the ten pounds (stewardship/return on investment of the kingdom).
- Triumphal entry toward Jerusalem (colt, shouts of praise); Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and cleanses the temple; conflict with religious leaders.
- Proverbs 26:13–16
- Portraits of the sluggard: excuses, laziness, self-deception.
Main homily points and themes
- The seriousness of causing others to sin
- Father Mike emphasizes Jesus’ millstone imagery as a stark warning: leading others into sin is gravely serious.
- Gratitude and recognition of grace
- The one returning leper (a Samaritan) models thankful faith; Jesus highlights the surprising recipients of mercy.
- The Kingdom is both present and future
- Jesus teaches the kingdom “is in your midst” but also warns about its final revelation and the need to be watchful.
- Prayer and perseverance
- The persistent widow parable calls believers to continual prayer and trust that God vindicates His people.
- Humility vs. self-righteousness
- The tax collector’s humble plea is contrasted with the Pharisee’s self-justifying prayer; humility brings justification.
- Childlike reception of the kingdom
- Jesus insists the kingdom must be received with the openness and trust of a child.
- Call to radical discipleship
- The rich young ruler illustrates the cost of discipleship: attachments (wealth, security) can block following Christ.
- Zacchaeus shows conversion: encountering Jesus produces joyful, concrete restitution and generosity.
- Stewardship and accountability
- The parable of the ten pounds stresses faithful use of what one is given; reward and loss correspond to stewardship.
- Jesus’ prophetic sorrow and purification
- Jesus weeps over Jerusalem’s blindness and cleanses the temple — mercy and righteous anger together.
Notable quotes & phrases (from readings and Father Mike)
- Scripture: “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea…” (Luke 17)
- Scripture: “The kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17)
- Scripture: “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Luke 18)
- Scripture: “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18)
- Father Mike: “When it comes to your life, when it comes to sin, when it comes to leading others into sin… that word is millstones.”
- Father Mike: “Come and follow me… give me your heart.”
Practical applications / action items
- Examine attachments: What are you unwilling to surrender to Christ (wealth, status, security)? Pray about one concrete step to loosen that attachment.
- Cultivate gratitude: Like the grateful leper, practice daily thanksgiving for specific graces.
- Persist in prayer: Take the widow’s example — pray consistently and don’t lose heart about petitions.
- Choose humility: Make space for inward examination and adopt attitudes of the tax collector (simple, honest plea for mercy).
- Steward well: Identify one gift God has given you (time, talent, treasure) and commit it to faithful use for the kingdom.
- Respond to Jesus’ call: If you sense a specific invitation (“Come down; I must stay at your house today”), act promptly and joyfully.
Reflection questions
- Who in these passages do you most identify with: the rich young ruler, Zacchaeus, the grateful leper, the persistent widow, or the tax collector? Why?
- What “millstone” or attachment might be keeping you from fully following Jesus?
- How can you practice receiving the kingdom “like a child” this week?
- In what concrete way can you show gratitude or restitution to someone you’ve wronged or neglected?
Final pastoral encouragement
Father Mike underscores that the call is the same for everyone — whether “good church kid” or “lost sinner”: come, give Jesus your heart, and follow Him. Receiving Christ brings joy (not loss), and acting on Scripture is essential. He prays for listeners and asks for reciprocal prayer.
Scripture referenced: Luke 17–19; Proverbs 26:13–16 (RSV-2CE).