Jesus turns his face towards Jerusalem despite his awareness of the implications of rejection. And that is what happens when he sends messengers ahead to make arrangements in a Samaritan village. James and John are angry but Jesus rebukes them and makes alternative arrangements. He remains free. He remains himself. Then come the call stories and the echoes of Elisha. What happens to us when things do not go according to plan? What happens when people let us down? Do we make easy excuses when we are invited to offer a helping hand or some useful service? Are we ready to go to Jerusalem with Jesus? Or are we like James and John, full of fire and brimstone and quick anger? Are we like the people Jesus called to follow him, swift with our excuses? Or do we hear God’s voice, put our hand to the plough and respond in love?