NOTES for Mat 8:18-22

In full accordance with his purpose, the evangelist Matthew presents two short stories concerning the way Jesus builds the community of His disciples, the future Church. Although these are only two particular cases (let us once again note how unique Christ’s relationship is with each person), we may still draw some conclusions for ourselves. What do we expect when we set out on the path of following Christ? Naturally, that things will become better for us! And this is right—but in what sphere does this “better” lie? Jesus’ terse answer to the scribe shows that it certainly does not lie in the sphere of everyday comfort. And His words also seem to carry a note of sorrow…

The second scene always causes difficulty for those who have only recently begun reading the Bible. How can Jesus be so callous, almost cruel, in the face of death? Of course, Jesus is not opposed to burying close relatives; in this shocking way He makes people reflect on what they take for granted. Then, as in our day, many people tended to regard death as almost the chief event in life and to honour the dead instead of caring for those people while they were still alive. In any event, Jesus, who opens in Himself the path to life, confronts every person with a clear choice between life and death. The Gospel does not say what this disciple chose. What do we choose?