“Follow me,” Jesus calls out in this weekend’s Gospel. He summons us as well, and his call is challenging. Being a disciple means putting aside one’s own personal concerns. It also means following Jesus no matter how difficult. Up until now, Jesus spent his time preaching, teaching, and healing around Galilee. But now Jesus has set off for Jerusalem. Though the disciples don’t realize it, he has embarked on the journey that leads to the cross. Let us pray for the strength and courage to continue to follow our Lord, no matter the cost, realizing that our reward is the kingdom of God.
Wednesday is the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul. The day marks the final high holy day in the Church’s summer “holiday season.” It is the great festival of the city of Rome and of the Roman Rite. This solemnity is one of very few with a Vigil Mass, a vigil of great antiquity.