6 April | Youth
«And another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.” Still another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.”» Luke 14:19, 20
God invites everyone to be part of the heavenly kingdom, but not everyone has the kingdom of God as a priority. A rich man prepared a great banquet. On the day of the celebration, however, no one attended. One had a family commitment, and the other had a financial commitment. Everyone had an excuse. Extremely disappointed, the owner of the party ordered one of the servants: “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind” (Luke 14:21). Ironically, these were people with disabilities, rejected by that society. The guests of honor had no interest in participating.
This parable portrays the invitation that God makes to all humanity: the marriage supper of the Lamb. Unfortunately, some accept, and others do not. In a way, the phrase makes sense: “If you really want to do something you will find a way. If you do not, you will find an excuse.”
When Jesus asked Zacchaeus to come down from the tree, the tax collector found a way. When the four men wanted to take their paralyzed friend to Jesus, they found a way and let him down through the roof. When there was no food for the large crowd, the disciples tried to find an excuse to dismiss the crowd, but Jesus found a way and multiplied five loaves and two fish. When Mary wanted to anoint Jesus' feet with pure nard, she found a way to get the expensive perfume and used her own hair to dry the Lord's feet. When the cross weighed on Jesus' shoulders, Simon Cyrene found a way to help Him until Calvary. When Jesus was in the middle of two thieves just before He sighed, one of them blasphemed while the other humbled himself and found a way to ask forgiveness.
Many people are willing to make empty excuses to try to escape their responsibilities. Fortunately, there are also a lot of people who assume their role and do not avoid their duty. Even in the midst of difficulties, these people find a way to do their part and do not leave what needs to be done at the moment for later. And you? How do you behave when faced with life’s challenges, especially spiritual ones? Do you make excuses and pretend it is not about you? Or do you recognize your part, ask for God's power and find a way to do what is expected? I pray that you will always be ready to take responsibility and fulfill your role in life.