Reflections of Caritas

GOSPEL: LUKE 14:25-33

True Discipleship

Dear friends,

Today’s gospel reading begins with this line: “Great crowds accompanied him on his way and he turned and spoke to them” (Luke 14:25).  Jesus becomes suspicious of this mob.  He is not too sure if they understand what is going to happen in Jerusalem.  He turns around and makes some facts clear to them.  Jesus puts forward three conditions: prioritize – ensure the primacy of Jesus in your life; be ready to die to yourself – carry your own cross; and make yourself vulnerable – renounce your possessions.  And because this is going to be challenging you better sit and discern before you continue the journey of discipleship.

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GOSPEL: LUKE 14:1, 7-14.

“Humble yourself and you will find favor with God”

Dear friends,

On this twenty second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus calls our attention to a very important Christian virtue, humility. It is an attribute and quality of God which all his children must strive to possess and live. Today, arrogance and pride are being celebrated.  In the name of self-confidence and self-esteem, achievement and success, influence and affluence’.

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GOSPEL: Luke 13:22-30.

"Strive to enter through the narrow door!!!"

Dear friends,

In the gospel, Jesus answers a very difficult question: Sir, will there be only a few saved? His response was very simple, smart and of course, an intelligent one, “Strive to enter through the narrow door!!! Through this, Christ reminds us that the invitation to His Feast is open to all. However, each person must struggle to be there. We must do what we have do by playing our roles well. This is the only way we can be guaranteed a place in the feast of the Kingdom of God.

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GOSPEL: LUKE 12:49-53

FIRE UPON THE EARTH

Dear Friends,

On this twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Church encourages us to fight against evil by following the footsteps of Christ who came to bring “fire” upon the earth in order to purify, transform, and save us from the perils that afflict us.

Jesus in today’s gospel wishes to set the earth on fire. He speaks against peace. What sense can we make when Jesus says his coming is to establish division and he desires to set our world ablaze?

The fire he wishes to bring is that which is very positive and objective. It is for our own purification and good. It is meant to consume the debris and fabrics of inordinate attachments, immorality, injustice and corruption in our lives, communities and world at large.

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