There is a sharp contrast in today’s Gospel reading between the opening expression of joy and thanksgiving expressed at the table with Jesus and the overshadowing sadness of the parable. Throughout the Gospels Jesus uses table fellowship and parables about banquets to...
Today’s first reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is often viewed negatively. Yet to understand it let us look at the background. Paul is giving specific recommendations to the members of a new Christian community, recently converted from paganism. The...
Today’s reading from Luke is taken from the 12th chapter that begins by saying there were thousands gathered to listen to his preaching. So many people that they were stepping on each other. What a disturbing image Jesus uses to describe what he is about: a blazing...
The Gospel is full of images to symbolize a Christian’s attitude of conversion and active waiting: the prudent and foolish young women waiting for the return of the bride and groom, the sudden appearance of the kingdom, the separation of the sheep and goats, and...
Today we celebrate the feast of St Luke who wrote one of the four Gospels. Each of the writers gives their Gospel a specific tone or emphasis. Luke’s Gospel is very human and very concerned for the poor and common folks. Our first reading from the letter of Paul to...