The Word of God is eternal: it speaks to all people in all times. And yet, it is true that St. Luke and the other Gospel-writers wrote (by the hand of God) to a particular people in a particular time: the earliest Christians.
St. Luke wrote, out of obedience to God, to a Church of his time with a reminder that “being included” is good and brings wholeness. But he also encouraged them to consider just what group they wanted to be part of. The nine lepers in Luke 17 who did not return to Jesus seemed more interested in being part of a group that was just like them: exclusive and probably privileged. The Samaritan, meanwhile, sought to be counted among “the grateful saved,” the universal family of God.
St. Luke also wrote to the early Church with a reminder that “real prayer” is not just about begging for mercy and coming to Jesus only when we need or want something. “Real prayer” is the prayer of gratitude that shows genuine character, faith, and goodness. This is the prayer of the Church that we call “Eucharistic.”
Again, St. Luke wrote to those who first followed the Way of the Lord, but he also wrote (and writes) to us. He encourages us to think about how it is and when it is that we pray … and to think about how much more we can do than simply what is commanded of us. In the end, do we look for privilege or to be counted among “the grateful saved?” Do we want to follow the Way f the Lord with our whole heart, mind, and soul or do we want to content ourselves with doing just enough to get by? The Gospel was compelling and demanding for the earliest Christians … and it remains so for us.
Let us pray. “Lord, we thank you for all you do in our lives. We know, as you do, Lord, that we are imperfect people living in imperfect times and so we stand in need your grace in a mighty way. Please protect us against the things that could pull us away from you and our desire to live your Son’s Gospel. Help us to live as you desire and, please, grant us the grace of perseverance today and always. Amen.”
