Readings
Ephesians 6:1-9
Luke 13:22-30
Reflection
The theme of our gospel reading reminds us that we are coming to the end of the liturgical year.
Jesus is described as teaching as he made his way through towns and villages. Given the phrase ‘as he made his way to Jerusalem’, is added, we can imagine what the content of this teaching included. If we can’t imagine, this gospel reading helps us.
This is not a time for being faint- hearted or half hearted. The calling of Jesus is to follow him….and the road he is taking is to Jerusalem.
He is asked, will only a few ‘make it’? He does not answer directly, but he implies there will be some surprises. Just because people ate and drank with him does not guarantee they could match his faithfulness. When the chips are down, the door to life is narrow!
As Jesus shared his final meal in Jerusalem, according to Luke, his close disciples began to argue about which of them was the greatest. What had they learned? He warned that one of them (Judas) would betray him and that Peter would deny him three times. In the time of trial they would fail.
The self-righteous had best be careful, along with those have the chance to grasp his way of life but will not change, and those who choose convenience over faithfulness.
By the time Luke wrote his gospel, he knew that many outsiders, such as Greek converts, had become faithful followers. Some were martyred. Some insiders who had had the same opportunity did not grasp it. They locked themselves out.
Our response to this gospel is an opportunity to ask if we are just going through the motions of following Jesus’ way of life. He was never interested in external show. Are our hearts alive with compassion for the weak, the marginalised and the outsiders? Do our actions match our words?
Brian Traynor CPÂ has been involved in faith formation for many years especially in the form of parish missions and through the Passionist Family Group Movement. Brian is a member of the Passionist community at Holy Cross, Templestowe.