Jesus Resolutely Determined!

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Zech 8:20-23; Lk 9:51-56

Today’s Gospel highlights the resolute love of Jesus Christ.

The text reads that Jesus ‘resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.’ Jesus’ determination comes in the face of knowing what awaits him in Jerusalem – betrayal, suffering, and death. Despite such knowledge of his rejection and death, Jesus sets his mind towards Jerusalem without turning back. 

Jesus’ steely resolve to walk towards the cross contains some important insights. 

1. Jesus’ choice to embrace the cross was not forced upon him. He chose it willingly and freely. 

2. In his willingness to embrace the cross, Jesus manifests his obedient love towards God’s will for humanity. Hence, his willingness to accept the cross also reflects his unconditional love for us. 

3. Jesus’ readiness to sacrifice his life shows that sacrifice and suffering are part of Christian discipleship. Like Jesus, we are called to suffer in and for love.

4. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem through the Samaritan village and the rejection he suffers show that Christian love does not depend on acceptance. Jesus continues his journey of love even when it is not reciprocated. 

5. The journey of love that Jesus undertakes gives us the confidence that in encountering rejection and suffering, we are not alone. In fact, we walk the very road that Jesus walked on. Hence, we are called not only to admire Jesus’ courage but also to follow his model of love. 

Let us pray that we may learn the model of resolute love from Jesus. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar