When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.  Luke 9:51-52a

Jesus was “resolutely determined” in His mission to travel toward Jerusalem.  The significance of this line can easily be lost.

There are two things to point out about this passage.  First, Jerusalem was the destination where He would ultimately die for the sins of the world.  It was His place of glorification through the Sacrifice of the Cross.  Thus, the disciples did not want Jesus to go to Jerusalem since they knew it was a risk.  But Jesus saw through the suffering He would soon endure to the future glory of the Sacrifice He would offer.

Second, the fact that Jesus was “resolute” in His determination to go to Jerusalem and sacrifice His life reveals His courage and perfect love.  He did not fear what would happen to Him because He had the bigger picture in mind.  He saw the good fruit of the salvation of many souls and this overshadowed any temptation to be deterred from His divine mission.

We can learn much from Jesus’ determination to sacrifice His life in Jerusalem for the salvation of the world.  Certainly we should see the fruit of this sacrifice and be eternally grateful for it.  But we should also see it as an invitation to imitate Jesus’ actions.  In our own lives there are many opportunities we are given to choose a life of selfless sacrifice for the good of others.  These opportunities come in many forms, but in the end they are always opportunities of love and self-giving.  Though sacrifice will tempt us to flee in a different direction, if we keep our eyes upon the good fruit of all selfless sacrifice, we will be encouraged to be resolute in our determination of love.

Reflect, today, upon whatever your “Jerusalem” is.  What is it that you are invited to sacrifice your life for out of love.  When you discover what it is, look also at your willingness to embrace this sacrifice for the good of others and strive to imitate the firm determination of our Lord.

My determined Lord, I offer my life to You and accept Your invitation to offer my life for the good of others.  Give me the courage and determination I need to see the value of selfless living and fill me with unwavering love of Your holy will.  Jesus, I trust in You.

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