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From the Pastor’s Desk
The Gospel according to Saint Luke is known for many things. It has been called the “Gospel of the poor” as Jesus, so often, reaches out to the poor and outcast of society. The prominence of women, especially Mary, plays an important part of the leitmotif of the Gospel’s narrative. As well, Luke portrays an urgency in his Gospel from beginning to end.
Biblical scholars generally agree that the Gospel of Luke is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. The Evangelist wants his readers to become convinced that building this Kingdom (as opposed to a personal or any type of “political” kingdom) must be foremost in the heart of those who are disciples of Christ. So here’s a question for you to ponder – today and, really, everyday – “Am I actively building God’s Kingdom in all I do and say, or am I building another kingdom?”
Today’s Gospel, the Parable of the Good Samaritan, begins with someone well-versed in the Mosaic Law of Judaism asking Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The question is really meant to entrap Jesus because, at the time, most Jewish people had no belief in eternal life. Jesus’ response is one any Jew of the time would know, that is, the basics, love God and neighbor. When pushed a little more, Jesus’ parable asks him and everyone else who reads it, to have a whole new perspective on who is our neighbor. This is Kingdom-building! This is building the lordship of God as primary in my life!
Love,
Father Tom