In yesterday’s Gospel, we glimpsed Jesus’ divinity. Today, Luke’s Gospel offers a subtle but revealing glimpse into His humanity. Nestled between two commas, Luke writes, “He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.” This brief pause in the narrative speaks volumes.
There are moments in our lives when we must act against our instincts. That inner voice—our fight-or-flight response—urges us to avoid discomfort or danger. Jesus, fully aware of the excruciating path awaiting Him in Jerusalem, “resolutely determined” to go forward. Luke’s subtle hint foreshadows the agony Jesus later expresses in His fear of the cross. Yet, knowing the Father’s will, Jesus suppressed His human fear to fulfill what had to be done.
God’s will often calls us to do the same—not always in such extreme ways, but in the ordinary moments of our daily lives. It might mean resisting temptation, waking up early for Sunday Mass instead of staying in bed, or stopping to help a homeless person rather than looking away. These choices challenge us to align our human will with God’s divine will.
When we view our struggles in light of Jesus’ journey to the cross, they gain proper perspective. Jesus is the perfect example of overcoming human instincts to conform to God’s will. His example inspires us to “resolutely determine” to follow God’s path, even when it feels daunting. Today, I invite you to take inventory of your life. Where can you deny yourself and align your will with God’s? The list may be long, and the effort may bring discomfort, but the joy of fulfilling God’s will far outweighs the temporary pain. Let us follow Jesus’ example, trusting that the end of the story is worth it.