In Year C of the liturgical calendar, the primary Gospel is indeed the Gospel of Luke. The Gospel reading from Luke, specifically Chapters 1 and 4. In these chapters, Luke reveals his purpose in compiling his Gospel, providing valuable insights into his mind and intentions. Further, Luke provides a deeper insight into the person of Jesus that serves as a response to a fundamental question, who is Jesus?
Luke 1:1-4 and Luke 4:14-21 are the specific passages that help us understand Luke's purpose and approach in writing his Gospel. St. Luke is a physician who records the events about Jesus in his Gospel. He considers Jesus beyond medicine who gives true life through his words.
St. Francis de Sales preached the following words on a passion Sunday:
“A word is accepted or rejected for three reasons: because of the person who speaks it, because of the word that is spoken, because of those who hear it. For this word to be honored and accepted, the one who is speaking it must be a good man, a virtuous man, one worthy of being believed. Otherwise, rather than being accepted, it will be rejected and despised.[1] Further, what is said must be good and true. Finally, those who hear it must be good, prepared to receive it; if not, it will be neither accepted, honored, nor kept.”
It is Jesus who speaks. He reveals God to us. Jesus is God of the Universe. He is filled with the Holy Spirit. He is our teacher. He has come to liberate us from our struggles. Luke showcases Jesus as being more human. He is compassionate, a friend of the outcast, and fatherly to sinners Many other human traits could be learned from him.
Jesus’ words are Good news to people as the Gospel narrates. His message of love towards the poor and sinners is transformative. His messages are comforting and consoling to the poor and weak. His words are filled with wisdom to people.
St. Luke was so receptive to Jesus' words that he turned to be a testimony. We are called to be receptive and testify our life experience of Jesus.
When we read the Bible, we should feel that it is personally (not individually) addressed to us. Rudolf Boltzmann describes in his Essay: “Bible Interpretations and Existential Philosophy”
“Bible Becomes for me a word addressed personally to me, with not only informs me about existence in general but gives me real existence.”
“My personal relationship with God can be made real by God only, by the acting God who meets me in His Word.”
Fr. Raja MSFS
Comments