Gospel Luke 9:51-56 Jesus sets out for Jerusalem As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village. Short Reflection In this passage, Jesus shows us that mission and mercy must walk hand in hand. As He journeys toward Jerusalem—fully aware of the suffering that awaits—He remains focused, yet gentle. When the Samaritans reject Him, His disciples react with fiery indignation, but Jesus rebukes them. He chooses peace over punishment, compassion over condemnation. This moment reminds us that rejection is not a detour from our calling—it’s part of the journ...