Are our eyes open to the afflictions and needs of the people around us?
The Gospel of St. Luke, whose feast we celebrate today, has certain unique themes that make it distinct and challenge the readers. Luke’s concern for the poor, the lost, the neglected, the suffering, and the strangers, suggests that his is a Gospel of the poor. Luke’s Gospel broke open many barriers. A Samaritan stranger becomes neighbor to the wounded man. A Samaritan leper shows gratitude. The Shepherd finds His “lost sheep.” The Father welcomes his lost son. Luke’s Jesus changed the role of women in society. The resurrected Jesus first appeared to women. Do we include or exclude people who are different from us?
Today’s passage from Luke’s Gospel, speaks of a follower’s absolute commitment. The disciples left everything and followed Him; they had to renounce father and mother … and even their own lives; they had to carry their own cross. They had to sell their belongings and give alms. They had to suffer and be rejected. Thus his Gospel is also called the Gospel of Absolute Renunciation. Do we renounce our own interests to meet our commitments to family?
