READ LUKE 3:1-20
KEY VERSE: "All flesh shall see the salvation of God" (v 6).
TO STUDY: Luke situated the beginning of Jesus' ministry within the political and religious history of Palestine. He noted that it was the fifteenth year of the reign of the Roman emperor Tiberius Caesar (27-29 C.E.), the successor of Augustus, and the second of the Roman emperors. Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea, Herod Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea, and Caiaphas served as high priest. During this time, God called John the Baptist to announce the coming salvation through God's anointed one. God did not call the prophet in a Temple or a palace, but in the wilderness. John was called to preach a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins in preparation for the imminent reign of God. Luke quoted the prophet Isaiah to show the fulfillment of God's promises in the scriptures. John was sent to prepare the way for the coming of Christ.

The people were filled with expectation and wondered,  "What then should we do?" (v 10). John told each group to do more than the law required them to do. The people wondered if John was God's anointed one. John answered that his baptism with water symbolized a conversion to the will of God. It was only a preparation for "one mightier" who would baptize with "the Holy Spirit and fire" (v 16). John used the image of a winnowing fan, a shovel used to separate the wheat from the chaff, to describe God's coming judgment that would divide the good from the bad. Jesus would bring salvation through his baptism with the purifying fire of God's judgment through the Holy Spirit. In Baptism, a Christian dies to their former lives of sin, and rises to a new life with Christ.

REFLECTION: Am I filled with expectation for Christ's coming in my life? How am I preparing my mind and heart?

READ LUKE 3:21 ― 4:13
KEY VERSE: "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased" (v 22).
TO STUDY: The baptism of Jesus was another "epiphany," or manifestation of the divine presence. At the heart of Christian baptism is dying to one way of living and then rising to a whole new way of life. In baptism, the elect are plunged into the death and resurrection of Christ (Ro 6:3-5). Although Jesus had no need of repentance, he entered the murky waters where the people had been baptized, thereby uniting himself with sinful humanity. While Jesus was praying, the Spirit descended upon him, and God's voice was heard confirming Jesus as the "beloved Son" (v 22). On Calvary, Jesus would undergo a baptism of fire that would bring salvation to the whole world (Lk 12:49-50). This transforming fire would be poured out on the Church at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

After his Baptism (Lk 3:22), Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days. There he was tempted by the Evil One just as the people of Israel were tested for forty years in the wilderness (Dt 8:3). The first temptation echoed Israel's failure to trust God in the desert when they were hungry. Jesus knew real hunger during his fasting, but he refused to turn stones into bread. Instead he put his trust in God. The second temptation was the desire to attain earthly power and glory. Again Jesus resisted this enticement. He came, not as a regent, but as God's suffering servant. The third test was for Jesus to display his power by throwing himself over the Temple parapet. Jesus' real power was his ministry to the poor, the sick and suffering. In each trial, Jesus was the faithful Son who refused to succumb to the attraction of power, prestige and position. Satan was defeated and retreated until the final test when Jesus conquered evil on the cross.

Luke traces Jesus' lineage from Joseph all the way back to Adam. Jesus is the New Adam who obeys his Father's commands.

REFLECTION: Does my life give evidence of my being God's beloved son or daughter? Do I live out my baptismal commitment?

DID JEWS BAPTIZE BEFORE JESUS CAME?
The word baptism comes from a Greek word (baptisma) that means to plunge, or to become submerged in water. During the time of Jesus the Jews practiced many kinds of water purifications. There are several baptisms in scripture that are of importance. There is the baptism of John. There is the baptism of John baptizing Jesus, and there is the baptism in the name of Christ in the church after his death and resurrection. The Christian baptism is an identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The baptism of John was a Jewish washing. Throughout Jewish history it was traditional for Jews to demonstrate repentance through washing ceremonies. John's baptism may have been related to the purifying washings of the Essenes at Qumran near the Dead Sea. John was preaching repentance for the coming of God's reign. The people who accepted that message and desired to repent came to John. The internal conversion of their heart was demonstrated externally in their baptism in anticipation for the arrival of Messiah. It was a baptism of repentance, and so it was Jewish baptism. Christian baptism is very different from those ritual washings, which were self-administered and could be repeated many times. Christian baptism, on the other hand, is administered by another person and happens only once in a lifetime.

READ LUKE 4:14-30
KEY VERSE: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor" (v 18).
TO STUDY: The synagogue developed as a result of the Exile and the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 587 BCE. With the sacrificial cult no longer possible, the synagogue was necessary for the survival of Judaism. After the people returned from Exile, the synagogue continued to be a place for study and worship. The law said that wherever there were ten Jewish families there must be a synagogue. The synagogue service consisted of singing a Psalm, the recitation of the Shema ("Hear!" a Jewish expression of faith in the one true God, Dt. 6:4-9, 11:13-21; Nm 15:37-41); a reading from the Torah (the Law and the Prophets), and the Priestly Blessing (Nm 6:24-36), which was led by the synagogue president. The readings of the entire Pentateuch were covered in a three year cycle, much like our Christian lectionary today. Any well instructed male member of the assembly could be called upon to read and interpret the scriptures.

After Jesus' baptism, he returned to Nazareth, his home town. Because Jesus' reputation had spread throughout the land, he was called upon to teach in the synagogue. On one occasion, Jesus was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah to read (Is 61:1-2). The passage spoke of the restoration of Israel through the work of God's anointed one (the Messiah in Hebrew or Christos in Greek). Jesus announced that Isaiah's words applied to his own mission. He had been anointed by God's Spirit to announce a Jubilee year of God's favor. He came to release those held captive by political, economic, social, physical and moral sin, and to bring good news to the poor, oppressed and afflicted. The people of Nazareth were amazed at Jesus' teaching, but they were skeptical of his authority. They scoffed, "Is not this Joseph's son?" (v 22), one of their own neighbors?
What's more, if he performed so many miracles elsewhere, why had he not worked any in his own hometown? The people rejected him as they did the prophets before him. Jesus compared his own ministry to that of Elijah and Elisha who were sent to the Gentiles after their prophetic mission was rejected by their own people. This angered the crowd and they tried to throw Jesus over a cliff, but he walked away unharmed. This incident prefigured the persecution that Jesus would continually face.  He would find no escape from his ultimate fate on Calvary.

REFLECTION: How have I been called to minister to the suffering? Do I practice the justice Jesus proclaimed?

READ LUKE 4:31-44
KEY VERSE:  "For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out" (v 36).
TO STUDY:  After Jesus was rejected in his hometown of Nazareth, he went to Capernaum on the northwest coast of Lake Gennesaret (another name for the Sea of Galilee). Once again Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and this time the people were impressed by his authoritative words. Suddenly, Jesus was interrupted by the demonic shriek of a man possessed by an evil spirit. The demon knew that Jesus was the "Holy One of God" (v 34) who had come to destroy evil and restore God's supremacy over humankind. With a powerful command, Jesus exorcized the evil spirit and healed the man. The people were in awe at the power of Jesus' word, and his renown spread throughout the area. God's power over all forms of evil was at work in Jesus whose divine authority (Greek, exousia) came from his very being.

After curing the demoniac in the synagogue at Capernaum (Lk 4:33-35), Jesus went to the home of Simon Peter. With a powerful word he cured Simon's mother-in-law who lay ill with a severe fever. She arose and waited on them all as a true servant of God. At sunset, the Sabbath ended and the people were free to bring their sick to Jesus. He laid hands on them, curing those who were ill and exorcizing evil. At daybreak, Jesus retired to a deserted place, but the people came in search of him, beseeching him to remain with them. Jesus told them that he must proclaim the gospel to others because that is why he had been sent.

REFLECTION: What evil needs to be cast out of my community? Who can I bring to Jesus for healing?

READ LUKE 5:1-26
KEY VERSE:  "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people" (v 10).
TO STUDY: Only Luke calls the Sea of Galilee by the name of the plain of Gennesaret located on the northwest shore of the lake. It is the location of many of Jesus' manifestations as the Messiah. Here the crowds press in on him in great numbers to listen to the "word of God" (Lk 5:1, see Jn 1:14). Jesus was forced to get into a boat belonging to Simon Peter, and after they pushed off from the shore, he continued to preach. Afterwards, Jesus told the fishermen to put out into the deep waters and be prepared for a great catch of fish. Peter protested that they had fished all night (the usual time for fishing) and caught nothing. Yet, obediently, Peter lowered his nets. The result was so great a haul that the nets were in danger of breaking. The boats were so full that they were on the verge of sinking and they called others to help them. Overwhelmed by the miraculous draught of fish, James and John (Peter's fishing partners) were astonished. Peter confessed his own sinfulness, and falling at Jesus' knees he said, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" (v 8). Jesus did not depart but made Peter the captain of his fishing fleet. When the men brought their boats ashore, the disciples left everything behind and followed Jesus. This miraculous draught of fish signified the future mission of the Church. The disciples' efforts to bring souls to Christ would be successful if they remained true to Jesus' words. 

Jesus had announced his mission to the poor and suffering (Lk 4:18-19). Now he acted upon his words and healed a leper who begged to be made clean. Leprosy included a variety of skin diseases (and even household mold), but the disfiguring leprosy (Hansen's disease) was thought to be incurable. This leprosy was regarded as a living death, a scourge sent from God as punishment for sin. Repentance was necessary before a healing could occur. The leper was regarded as an outcast, separated from the community and denied access to Temple worship. Although touching a leper made one "unclean," Jesus reached out to cure the man with his healing touch. Jesus then sent the man to the priest who alone could pronounce him healed and fit to return to society (Lv 14:2-3a). Jesus' fame spread throughout the region, and great crowds gathered to hear him preach, and to be healed of their afflictions. After an exhausting day, Jesus found it necessary to renew himself, and he withdrew to a deserted place to pray.

The religious leaders came to Jesus because they were concerned that he was not following their rigid interpretation of the law. Luke contrasted their suspicion with the faith of some men who came to Jesus out of concern for their paralyzed friend. When the men were unable to get through the crowd, they climbed the outside stairway of the house where Jesus was staying, removed some tiles on the roof, and then lowered the invalid through the hole to the feet of Jesus. Jesus was not only interested in the paralytic's physical well-being, but also his spiritual health. When he told the man that his sins were forgiven, the religious leaders were scandalized as only God could forgive sins. To prove his authority over both physical and spiritual affliction, Jesus healed the man causing the astonished people to give praise to God.

REFLECTION: How does this passage relate to my own ministry as a follower of Jesus?  Who have I brought to Christ?

READ LUKE 5:27 ― 6:11
KEY VERSE: "I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners" (v 32).
TO STUDY:  Tax collectors were regarded as sinners because extortion was often associated with their office. They were also viewed as traitors because they worked for the occupying Roman government. Jesus accepted people as they were, and he invited a tax-collector named Levi ("Matthew" in Mt 9:9) to leave his post and follow him as a disciple. In gratitude, Levi gave a banquet in Jesus' honor and invited a large number of other people considered public sinners. When the religious leaders criticized Jesus because of his table-fellowship with so-called "sinners," he told them that he had not come for those who self-righteously believed they had no need for repentance, but for those that recognized their need to change their lives.

Jesus had come to establish a new covenant between God and people. When the religious leaders complained that Jesus and his disciples did not fast as they and John the Baptist's disciples did, Jesus compared his relationship with his followers to a marriage. He said that when the bridegroom was present, it was a time for rejoicing. When Jesus returned to his Father, the church would mourn and fast until they were reunited. Jesus used two images to contrast the old and new religion. It was futile to patch an old cloak with new material. The strong new cloth would only tear the old cloth apart. Likewise, old brittle wineskins could not contain the new fermenting wine. Jesus had come to offer new wine of the Spirit to the people but many preferred the old wine of the law.

Jesus was always in opposition with the religious leaders and their rigid interpretation of the Sabbath law. Picking grain on the Sabbath was the first controversy that eventually led to a final break with the religious leaders, and ultimately to Jesus' death. When Jesus' disciples picked and ate grain on the Sabbath, they were accused of violating the Sabbath law that prohibited harvesting (Ex 34:21). Jesus defended his disciples by reminding the Pharisees of a precedence in scripture. The great King David fed his hungry men with the bread of offering that was reserved for priests (1 Sm 21:1-7). Jesus said that charity must prevail over religious laws. Jesus, the "Son of Man," showed solidarity with the needs of his people and displayed his supreme authority over the law.

Just as harvesting was prohibited on the Sabbath (Luke 6:1-5), so was healing. When a man with a withered hand came to the synagogue on the Sabbath, the religious leaders maliciously waited to see what Jesus would do. If he healed, they could charge him with a violation of the Sabbath. The Sabbath law allowed assistance only if a person's life was in danger, but this man's life was not threatened. He could have waited until the next day to be healed. Jesus knew that he was being watched, but he openly challenged his opponents telling the man to stretch out his withered hand. Only Luke tells us that it was the man's right hand that was withered (See Mt 12:10-13 and Mk 3:1-6). This meant that the man was probably unable to do physical labor, thereby being deprived of a livelihood. Jesus declared that the refusal to do good was evil in itself, and he healed the man. The Pharisees were enraged by this merciful act, but they saw no problem in plotting Jesus' death on the Sabbath.

REFLECTION: Where do I need conversion in my life? How do I keep the Sabbath?

READ LUKE 6:12-16
KEY VERSE:  "He called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also called apostles" (v 14).
TO STUDY:  An Apostle was one who shared in Jesus' mission and was sent forth by him as his emissary entrusted with the message of the gospel. There are three lists of the Twelve in the synoptic gospels and one in the Acts of the Apostles (Matt 10:1-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:13-16; Acts 1:13). Each of these lists are different in order (See below). Only Luke says that Jesus bestowed the title of "Apostle" on those whom he chose. The Twelve were eye-witnesses to the ministry of Jesus from the time of his baptism to his ascension. This continuity guaranteed faithfulness to his teaching (Luke 1:1-4). Jesus spent the night in prayer before choosing  those individuals to whom he would entrust the leadership of the church. The Twelve Tribes of Israel were founders of the old covenant. Similarly, the Twelve Apostles would form the foundation of the new covenant. After Jesus' death, Peter, who always heads the list of apostles, stated the need to restore the number of the  Apostles to the full Twelve (Acts 1:15-26). After Pentecost, the term "Apostle" had a wider application than just the Twelve (1 Cor 1:1, 9:1, 15:5-9). They were, like Paul, ambassadors of Christ who possessed authority (but not superiority) of pastoral service over the communities. The episcopacy (Office of Bishop) traces its succession to the authority Jesus conferred on the first Apostles.

REFLECTION: Do I pray for the leaders of the Church? In what ways do I feel called to follow Jesus?

MATTHEW
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. [Mat 10:2-4]

MARK
So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. [Mark 3:16-19]

LUKE
And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. [Lk 6:12-16]

ACTS
When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. [Acts 1:13]
 

READ LUKE 6:17-26
KEY VERSE: "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets" (v 23).
TO STUDY: Luke's gospel portrays Jesus' concern for the poor and lowly, the "anawim," who had nothing in the way of worldly possessions and depended totally upon God's mercy. Luke's "Sermon on the Plain," is a counterpart of Matthew's beatitudes in the "Sermon on the Mount" (Mt 5:1-12). Whereas Matthew emphasized the spiritual values of the kingdom of God, in Luke, Jesus addressed the real economic hardships of his day: poverty, hunger, suffering and persecution. These poor and lowly were neglected by society but were welcomed by Jesus into God's kingdom. Jesus' disciples were "blessed," or "favored," because they found their fulfillment in God, and not in the things the world had to offer.

Luke also emphasized the persecutions that beset his followers. The disciples were closely united to Jesus' own experience of suffering and rejection. Luke contrasted the blessings that came from being a disciple with condemnations of those who were not living a prophetic life-style. This series of "woes," or lamentations, showed God's displeasure with those who were blind to the true values of the kingdom. Jesus' disciples were warned of God's displeasure if they sought their reward in material wealth. Though they felt satisfied for the time being, they would suffer in the age to come. Mother Therese of Calcutta said that while America is a wealthy country, they are poor because they lack spiritual values.

REFLECTION: In what ways can I console those who are suffering? Do I see my blessings in the midst of difficulties or do I see only woes?

READ LUKE 6:27-38
KEY VERSE: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (v 36).
TO STUDY:  In the midst of a hostile political system, Jesus encouraged his followers to accept persecution and suffering as he did. Jesus asked his followers to overcome hatred and oppression, not by violence, but through passive resistance: showing mercy, kindness, forgiveness and love -- even of one's enemies. In Matthew's gospel, Jesus told his followers to strive to be "perfect" as their heavenly Father was perfect (Mt 5:48). This is a difficult command for imperfect human beings. Instead of perfection, Luke stressed God's "mercy" (Hebrew, rachamim, from the word rechem, literally, "from the womb," the love expressed for an unborn child). Jesus' disciples were children of a benevolent and forgiving God; therefore, they should resemble their divine parent in their loving kindness toward others. Just as God forgave their sins, Jesus' followers should pardon the sins of others.

Central to Jesus' teaching was love of neighbor and forgiveness of one's enemies. He spoke out against vindictiveness because of mistreatment or injury. Jesus' commands were clear: Love! Bless! Give! Forgive! Stop judging! Stop condemning! Jesus encouraged his followers to overcome hatred and oppression just as he did, not through power, but through kindness, forgiveness and love. God will absolve our sins at the last judgment if we pardon the wrongdoings of others. God cannot be outdone in generosity. As long as we share the things that God has given us, we will never lack what we need for ourselves. God’s provisions are limitless; God’s grace is endless; God’s love is boundless. God will shower down immeasurable blessings upon those who are gracious to others.

REFLECTION: St. Augustine said, "Forgiveness has two daughters: Justice and Compassion. To whom do I need to show compassion today?

READ LUKE 6:39-42
KEY VERSE:  "Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?" (v 41).
TO STUDY:  Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies (v 27-36), and to be forgiving, non-judgmental and generous toward others (v 37-38).  His disciples must be clear-sighted in their understanding of the gospel. They would be hypocrites if they criticized others yet were blind to their own faults. A blind person is unable to guide another blind person, as both might stumble and fall. The disciples could not lead others unless they were able to see their own defects and limitations. Then they would be compassionate when others failed, and could help them overcome their wrongdoings. When these future leaders of the church were fully trained, they would resemble their teacher, Jesus.

Jesus taught his followers that the quality of their inner lives could be judged by the words they spoke and the deeds they performed. Their hearts were like storehouses of either good or bad fruit. Jesus' disciples would be recognized the good fruit that they produced in their lives. Jesus also compared the Christian life to building a house. The wise builder laid a firm foundation that could withstand the trials of life. Those who heard Jesus but did not act on his words were building on a shaky foundation. It was hypocritical to call Jesus "Lord" and refuse to obey him. Jesus concluded his "Sermon on the Plain" by telling his followers to put into practice everything he had taught them.

REFLECTION: Am I quick to point out the mistakes of others that I make myself? Have I inspected the foundation of my spiritual house lately?

READ LUKE 7:1-17
KEY VERSE:  "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith" (v 9).
TO STUDY:  A centurion was a high ranking officer in the Roman army that commanded a force of up to 100 men. When the servant of a centurion stationed in Capernaum became ill, the officer sent the elders of the synagogue to entreat Jesus to come and heal him. The Jews were grateful to the centurion for having built their synagogue, and they urged Jesus to go and heal the man's servant. But the centurion sent word that he was not worthy to have Jesus enter his home (Jews regarded Gentile homes to be "unclean"). The officer knew how to use authority and he recognized this power in Jesus, and he had confidence that Jesus could heal his servant with a word of command. Jesus marveled at the man's faith, which contrasted with the disbelief of his own people.

Soon after healing the Centurion's servant, Jesus went to a town called Nain, which was a day's journey from Capernaum. His disciples and a large crowd followed him. In the story of the raising of the widow's son, Luke compared Jesus' ministry to two great prophets: Elijah, who raised the only son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kgs 17:8-24), and Elisha, who resuscitated the only son of a Shunammite woman (2 Kgs 4:8-37). When Jesus entered the village, he saw a widow accompanying the bier of her dead son. Jesus was moved with compassion for the woman. Without a husband or son to support her, she would find herself destitute. Risking ritual impurity for touching a corpse (Nm 19:11), Jesus laid a hand on the litter bearing the dead man. With a word of authority, Jesus commanded him to rise to life. The people praised God for sending a new prophet to them.

REFLECTION: Do I use the power of intercessory prayer to help others in need? How can I offer Christ's compassion to those who are grieving ?

READ LUKE 7:18-35
KEY VERSE:  "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard" (v 22).
TO STUDY: John the Baptist came in the tradition of the prophet Elijah, proclaiming a message of repentance. John declared that "one mightier" than he would come with judgment, casting the wicked in unquenchable fire (Lk 3:16-17). Contrary to John's expectations, Jesus came with a message of healing and compassion. When Jesus did not fulfill John's idea of the Messiah, he sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if he was God's anointed one or should they look for another. Jesus restated the announcement that he made at the beginning of his ministry. His purpose in coming was to bring the blessings foretold by Isaiah: the lowly, suffering and broken-hearted would be comforted and healed (Lk 4:18, Is 61:1-3). Those who recognized Jesus' identity in spite of previous notions were blest.

Herod locked John the Baptist in prison because of his denouncement of the king's illicit marriage to Herodias. John sent messengers to inquire of Jesus whether or not he was the anticipated messiah (Lk 7:18-23). In John's time, it was anticipated that the messiah would be the glorious "Son of David," a warrior king who would restore Israel to her former power. Instead, Jesus pointed to his works of healing and compassion as signs indicating the advent of God's reign. Jesus testified to John's greatness. The Baptist was no timid preacher - a "reed swayed by the wind" (v 24), nor was he "dressed in fine clothing and living in luxury in royal palaces" (v 25). John was a fiery prophet like Elijah who prepared the people for the "Day of the Lord" (Mal 3:1, 23). John stood at the threshold of God's kingdom. But the least one born anew through Baptism and the Spirit would be far greater than John.

Just as Jesus praised John the Baptist for his faithful witness to the gospel, those who benefited from John's ministry also gave praise to God. But the religious leaders stubbornly refused to accept Jesus, God's messenger of salvation. Jesus compared these unbelievers to disagreeable children that were never satisfied. He said that they despised John because of his ascetic life-style and austere message of repentance. At the same time, they thought Jesus was a glutton and a drunkard because he associated with outcasts and sinners. In the end, God's children would be justified by Divine Wisdom.

REFLECTION: Do people look for another because they fail to see Christ in me? Do I behave like a spoiled child when things go contrary to my plans? 

READ LUKE 7:36 ― 8:3
KEY VERSE:  "Her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love" (v 47).
TO STUDY:  As Jesus reclined at dinner in the home of a Pharisee (Simon the Leper, Mk.14:3-9), a woman entered the room and anointed him with oil, weeping in gratitude for the forgiveness she had received. The Pharisee was critical of Jesus for allowing this woman, a known sinner, to touch him.  Jesus told his host a story of a money lender who forgave the debts of two people. The one who was most in debt was more grateful to his creditor than the one who owed less. Jesus reminded his self-righteous host that he had not provided the normal courtesies due a guest, while this woman graciously poured out her love. Because her many sins had been pardoned, she was able to be generous in return.

As Jesus journeyed from town to town proclaiming the good news, he was accompanied by his Twelve Apostles and several women who "provided for them out of their own resources" (8:3). These women disciples had experienced the healing love of Jesus' mercy, and they expressed their gratitude through generous service. Jewish tradition forbade a rabbi to associate with women in public, but Jesus went beyond the cultural customs of his day. He revealed that the Gospel was for all people regardless of gender. These faithful women stood by Jesus at the cross (Lk 23:49), were present at his burial (23:55), and were privileged witnesses of his glorious resurrection (24:1-10).

REFLECTION: What is my attitude toward women in ministry? Do I show my love for Jesus by serving others?

READ LUKE 8:4-21
KEY VERSE:  "And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold" (v 8).
TO STUDY:  As Jesus proclaimed the good news, he told the crowds a parable about hearing and acting on the word of God. In the story, Jesus compared God's word to seed that had been sown in both favorable and adverse conditions. He said that there were many reasons why some people failed to respond to God's word thus preventing it to take root in their lives. The Evil One, trials, worldly concerns and material pleasures, were all obstacles to Jesus' offer of the gospel. Those who persisted in spite of these difficulties had hearts that were open and ready to receive the gospel message. Each of us has been given a bit of earth in which to plant God's word. With perseverance and devotion, we will bear abundant fruit in our lives.

 Jesus used an ordinary household object to illustrate the radiance of the Christian life. A lamp was the only source of illumination in the dark windowless houses of Jesus' day. This clay vessel was filled with oil and placed on a stand where it burned night and day. of life. Through a Christian's words and deeds others would be enlightened by God's truth. Even the deep mysteries of Christ's revelation would come to light. Those who proclaimed God's word would find that the more Christ was shared, the brighter their own spiritual illumination became. Those who failed to persevere in responding to God's word discovered that whatever enlightenment they had, faded and grew dim.

Jesus' mother and relatives were concerned about his itinerant preacher lifestyle. They went to the house where he was teaching, but they were unable to get through the large crowd. When Jesus was informed that his family wanted to see him, he took the opportunity to teach his followers about the spiritual relationship that existed between Christians. Blood ties did not constitute membership in the family of God. The tie that bound Christians together was the reception and response to the word of God. The Greek verb hupakouo means "to listen," and also has the connotation of "obedience."  Jesus' mother Mary was "blessed" because she heard the word of God and obeyed it (Lk 11:28).  All who heard and obeyed God's word were Christ's brothers and sisters.

REFLECTION: How can I imitate Mary's submission to God's word? Do my words and actions help to dispel the darkness in the world?

READ LUKE 8:19-56
KEY VERSE:  "He said to them, "Where is your faith?"  (v 25).
TO STUDY:  As Jesus went from place to place proclaiming the gospel, he grew tired to the point of exhaustion and sleep was imperative. Hoping to get some rest, he went in a boat across the Sea of Galilee with his disciples. Leaving things in the fishermen's hands he fell asleep. A sudden storm came up on the lake that was known for its sudden squalls. It was such a storm that struck the boat that day, and Jesus and his disciples were in peril of their lives. The disciples woke Jesus and with a word he calmed the storm. Jesus then said to his awestruck disciples, "Where is your faith?" They were amazed, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?" (v 25).

When they crossed the lake, they came to the district of the Gerasenes. When Jesus and his disciples disembarked they were met by a man whose mind was deranged. The man had extraordinary strength that enabled him to snap his fetters. This man was too dangerous to live in the town and he lived amidst the tombs, believed to be the haunt of demons (in the ancient world insanity was believed to be caused by demons). Jesus faced the man the same way he faced the story at sea, calm and unafraid.

When Jesus asked the man his name, he answered, "Legion" (a play on words since a Roman legion was a regiment of 6,000 soldiers). There was a herd of swine feeding there on the mountain side (pigs were considered unclean animals by the Jews). With a word of command Jesus sent the man's "demons" into them, and they went dashing down the steep slope into the sea. When the townsfolk of Gerasene heard what had happened, they found the man sitting at Jesus' feet, fully clothed and in his full senses. The crowd grew fearful of Jesus' power and asked him to go away. As Jesus embarked on the boat, the man from whom the demons had gone out begged to be allowed to go with him. But Jesus told him, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you" (v 39). So he returned to the town and proclaimed all that God had done for him.

When Jesus returned from the district of the Gerasenes, a man named Jairus approached him. Jairus was the leader of the synagogue, responsible for the administration and ordering of public worship. He begged Jesus to come to his house, because his only daughter who was twelve years of age was dying. The young girl was at the dawn of womanhood and eligible for marriage. As Jesus went with the man the crowds followed. Jesus was suddenly aware that someone in the crowd had touched the tassels of his robe, which all devout Jews wore (Num 15:37-41; Deut 22:12). The fringes were there to remind them that they were committed to the keeping of God's laws. The woman had suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years (the same number of years as the dying girl). Although she was considered unclean, the woman was aware that she had been healed. Jesus told her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." (v 48).

As he was speaking, someone came and told Jairus that his daughter was dead. When Jesus heard this, he said, `Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved" (v 50). When they came to the house he allowed no one except Peter and John and James, and the girl's parents to enter. He took hold of her hand and said to her, "Child, get up," and immediately she rose (a sign of the resurrection). Then Jesus told her parents to give the girl something to eat (a Eucharistic theme).

REFLECTION: Do I rely on Jesus' power as I proclaim the Gospel? Do I live more by fear or by faith?

READ LUKE 9:1-17
KEY VERSE: "Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" (v 9).
TO STUDY: Jesus summoned the twelve men he had chosen and he empowered them with his authority, sending them forth to proclaim the reign of God, which would overcome the forces of evil. Jesus advised his disciples to imitate him in their total dedication to God. On their journey, they were to trust in divine providence and depend on the hospitality and good will of the people they met. Wherever they were welcomed, they were to remain there to preach and heal. If the disciples were not received they were to shake off the dust from their feet when they left the town. When Jews entered Palestine after a journey in a gentile land, they shook off the heathen dust from their feet. Those that did not receive Jesus' disciples were to be treated as heathen country. They had condemned themselves as there might not be another opportunity to hear the good news.

Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was the son of Herod the Great, the bloody ruler who ordered the slaughter of the innocents (Mt 2:16-18). Contrary to Jewish law, Herod Antipas divorced his wife and married Herodias, his half-brother's wife. At her bidding, Herod put John the Baptist to death for protesting their illicit marriage (Mk 6:17-29). When Herod heard the reports circulating about Jesus, he wondered who he was. Some said that Jesus was John who had risen from the dead. Others said that Elijah had returned, a sign announcing the arrival of the Messiah (Mal 3:23). Herod expressed a desire to meet Jesus, but like his ambitious father, his real motive was to eliminate this threat to his own power.

As a parable in action, Jesus multiplied the bread in the wilderness and fed the multitude. Jesus' four Eucharistic acts sum up every aspect of his life. Just as he "takes," "blesses, " "breaks," and "shares" the bread with the people, Jesus takes God's revelation, blesses it by his words and deeds, offers his body and blood on the cross, and shares God's life with the world. Jesus is our daily bread, our nourishment on our journey to God's kingdom. His precious blood sacrificed on our behalf gives us everlasting life.

REFLECTION: Am I committed to serving the Lord no matter what the cost? In what ways does our parish care for the hungry poor?
 

LUKE 9:18-27
KEY VERSE: "But who do you say that I am?" (v 20).
TO STUDY:  Mark tells us that Jesus took his disciples to the pagan territory of Caesarea Philippi (Mk 16:13), which was in northern Israel near Banias. In that place was the Cave of Pan identified with the Roman god Faunus, half goat, half man, the god of fields and forests, flocks and shepherds. There may also have been a Temple built by Herod to honor Augustus in this area. Luke wrote that Jesus was praying (a typical theme in Luke) when he asked his followers if they understood his role and mission. He then asked his disciples who the people believed him to be. They answered that some thought he was John the Baptist raised from the dead, others said that Elijah had returned, still others believed that he was one of the prophets who had arisen. Jesus then asked his disciples who they personally believed him to be. Peter spoke for the Twelve declaring that Jesus was the "Messiah of God" (v 20, in Greek christos, the equivalent of the Hebrew term mashiach meaning "anointed one"). The title "Messiah" had grown in popularity, and among certain groups, was applied to one of the royal family of David who would come to restore the kingdom of Israel (Acts 1:6). Jesus warned them not to reveal his identity as many expected the Messiah to be a political leader that would set Israel free from foreign oppression. Then Jesus helped his disciples understand what it meant to be God's anointed one. Jesus' way was not through political power or world domination. His way was the way of the cross. All who wished to follow him must imitate his example. Jesus set down three conditions for discipleship: to regard oneself with humility, to accept the trials of life with faith, and to proclaim the Gospel despite rejection. A disciple who wished to share eternal life with Christ must be willing to let go of everything for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus told them if they  faithfully followed him follow him in this world, he would give testimony to them in the next. Before that generation passed away they would see signs that the kingdom of God was on the way to its fulfillment.

REFLECTION:  How can I help others understand who Jesus is? If I proclaim Jesus is Lord, how can I serve him better?

LUKE 9:28-36
KEY VERSE: Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" (v 35).
TO STUDY: As Jesus set out to Jerusalem and to the cross, he took three of his closest companions up the mountain to pray with him. The mount of the transfiguration is traditionally associated with Mount Tabor, but it is more likely Mount Hermon, fourteen miles from Caesarea Philippi where Jesus asked his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" (9:20). The mountain was a place where Jesus regularly went to pray (Lk 6:12; 22:39-41). In the Old Testament, it was on a mountain where God's revelation came to Moses, the law-giver (Ex 19:3). The mountain was also a place of God's revelation to the great prophet Elijah on Mount (Sinai, 1 Kgs 19:8). The appearance of Moses and Elijah reveal Jesus' fulfillment of the law and the prophets, and his prophetic commitment to overcoming the oppression of God's people. Like Moses, Jesus' face became radiant with his encounter with God (Ex 34:29). Moses and Elijah appeared alongside Jesus, and together they spoke of Jesus' "exodus," his saving death whereby he would liberate people from sin. Peter saw Jesus as a tabernacle of God's presence, and desired to abide on the mountain in tents, an allusion of the exodus journey in the wilderness when the people dwelt in branched huts (Lv 23:41-43). The Feast of Tabernacles, or "Booths" (Sukkot), commemorated this event. At the end of the book of Exodus there is an account of the completion of the tabernacle and the words: "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex 40:34). So too, God's glory was manifested in a cloud that overshadowed Jesus, the tabernacle, or dwelling place of God's presence. Jesus, God's chosen one and God's beloved Son was a prophet like Moses to whom the people must listen (Dt 18:15).

REFLECTION: Do I try to listen to Jesus in all my decisions? Am I as faithful to Jesus in adversity as I am in victory?

LUKE 9:37-62
KEY VERSE: "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men" (v 44).
TO STUDY: No sooner had Jesus descended from the mountain of the transfiguration, than the demands of life beset him. A man had come to the disciples seeking their help for his only son who was an epileptic. (In the ancient world such conditions were attributed to the activity of a demon). Though the disciples were unable to help the boy, Jesus healed him and gave him back to his father. The people were "amazed" by the power of God at work in Jesus. In the midst of this adulation, Jesus told his disciples to pay close attention to what he would tell them. He was the suffering "Son of Man" (v 44), his most characteristic way of speaking of himself. In doing so, he identified himself with the Son of Man in the Book of Daniel who opposed the "beast-like" kingdoms of the world. Jesus would triumph over his enemies and reign in glory (Dn 7:13-14). This was Jesus' second prediction of his passion (Lk 9:22), yet his disciples failed to comprehend his words (vs 43-45). A discussion arose among the disciples about which one of them was the greatest. Reading their grandiose ambitions, Jesus placed a little child by his side as an example of what discipleship meant. The disciple must be simple and trusting, and be willing to serve the poor and lowly of the community such as this child. Seemingly without hearing Jesus' words, John became indignant when he heard that an outsider had been casting out demons in Jesus' name. Jesus said that such closed-mindedness was in opposition to the Gospel that he taught them.

On his journey to Jerusalem, where he would face suffering and death, Jesus sent messengers to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. The Jews regarded this mixed ethnic and religious group as heretical, and, in turn, Samaritans often refused hospitality to Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. The hostility between the Jews and the Samaritans arose in the eighth century BC when the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Samaria. Most of its citizens were deported, and the land was resettled with pagan foreigners who intermarried with the remaining Jews. When James and John responded angrily to Samaritan inhospitality, Jesus reprimanded them. He had come to save all people, not only those who deemed themselves worthy of salvation. When a prospective disciple declared that he was willing to follow Jesus wherever he went, Jesus made the demands of discipleship clear to him. Was he willing to be like Jesus, a homeless wanderer without even a place to lay his head? Could he renounce security and personal relationships for the sake of the kingdom? When another would-be disciple asked permission to return home to bury his father, Jesus told him that those who were spiritually "dead" would take care of his obligation. Another asked to bid his family farewell, expecting permission like Elijah gave Elisha (1 Kgs 19:19-21). Jesus was more demanding. God's call was urgent and a disciple's response must be unconditional. They must be willing to renounce everything for the sake of the kingdom.

REFLECTION: Do I recognize Jesus in the poor and suffering I meet? Do I work for racial and religious tolerance among people?

LUKE 10:1-24
KEY VERSE: "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few" (v 2).
TO STUDY: Moses had appointed seventy elders to assist him in the government of the people (Ex 18:19, 24:1-9). In a similar way, Jesus  commissioned seventy-two disciples and sent them forth two by two to prepare the soil for the rich harvest that was to come. As God's messengers, they must alert the people that God's reign was at hand. Whoever responded to their message of repentance and conversion also heard Jesus and the one who sent him. Jesus' disciples were his representatives in every home they entered; therefore, they deserved the support of those who benefited from their proclamation. Jesus warned his disciples that they were going forth into a hostile world. They would be like helpless sheep exposed to prey, and must depend upon God's providence and protection.

When the disciples returned from their mission, Jesus was overjoyed as he heard of the power of God at work in them. Through their proclamation of God's kingdom, they witnessed the collapse of Satan's reign. Jesus shared their joy over Satan's fall, but he told them not to rejoice that they had greater power than the evil forces. They should be glad that their "names were written in heaven" (v 20). Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and thanked the Father for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to his disciples who followed him like little children. Others who were "wise and learned" had no understanding of these heavenly things. The Father conferred this knowledge upon the Son, and he in turn revealed it to those whom he chose. Jesus reminded his disciples of their great privilege in witnessing what prophets and kings longed to see and hear. The Gentiles living in Tyre and Sidon had not seen such mighty deeds. If they had, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes as did the Ninevites in Jonah's day (Jon 3:1-10). Like the ancient prophets, Jesus expressed profound displeasure with those who rejected God's truth and mercy.  Severe judgment was in store for those who rejected their call to repentance. Jesus prayed that more laborers would answer God's call.

REFLECTION: Do I support missionaries with my prayers and contributions? How can I bring Christ's message to an unrepentant world?

LUKE 11:1-13
KEY VERSE: "Lord, teach us to pray" (v 1).
TO STUDY: Throughout Luke’s gospel, he shows Jesus praying at every important moment of his life. It was in observing Jesus at prayer that his disciples asked him to teach them how to pray. In response, Jesus taught his disciples a simple prayer based on his relationship with his Father. Although it was the "Lord’s Prayer," it would be their prayer to God whom Jesus addressed  intimately as "Abba," the way a child would address his parent. Jesus disciples must sanctify God's name by their conduct. By doing so they would make God's reign in Heaven manifest on earth. Jesus' disciples were to trust God for their daily needs, forgive each other's sins, and pray that they would not fail God in the time of trial.

Jesus urged his followers to persevere in prayer, and God would not ignore their fervent petitions. He told them a parable that shed light upon Jesus' petition "Give us each day our daily bread" (v 3). In the story, a man came at night to ask his neighbor for bread. Although the neighbor's family was asleep, he gave in to the request because of the man's persistence. Jesus asked, if friends were moved to give favors, how much more should parents grant whatever their children needed? Would a father give something harmful to his children when they asked for something to eat? If human beings with all their sinfulness were good to their children, how much greater would God's generosity be? Jesus told them to ask, seek and knock on the door of God's heart. God was a loving father who would not refuse his children. The greatest gift God would give them was the Spirit who would illuminate and guide them on their journey to God.

REFLECTION: How can I live the Lord's prayer today? Do I teach others how to pray?

NOTE: There are two versions of the "Lord's Prayer" in the Gospels: Luke 1:2-4 and Matthew 6:9-13 (the one we usually pray in public prayer). Spend time meditating on each line of the Lord's Prayer in Luke's gospel, making it your own: "Father". . . Do I live like a son or daughter of God?. . . "Hallowed be your name". . . Do I respect the Lord's name?. . . "Your Kingdom come". . . Do I work to bring about the reign of God?. . . "Give us each day our daily bread". . . Do I trust God to provide for my daily needs?. . . "Forgive us our sins". . . Do I believe God can absolve me of my sins?. . . "As we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us". . . Am I willing to forgive and forget the sins of others?. . . "Do not bring us to the time of trial". . . What is the greatest evil I need to resist?

LUKE 12:13-34 
KEY VERSE: "You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?" (v 20).
TO STUDY:  In Jesus' time, respected Rabbis were often call upon to settle disputes. When a man approached Jesus regarding a quarrel over the family inheritance, Jesus asked, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” (v 14). He refused to intervene in this shameless argument about money. Luke then begins a long discourse on the nature of material possessions. Jesus told his disciples, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (v 15). Jesus told a parable about the foolishness of focusing on material wealth. In the story, a rich man's barns were full, so he made plans to build even bigger ones to store his harvest. The man presumed that he would have many years to enjoy his prosperity, but he gave no thought to God's plans (count the number of times the man said "I" and "my"). Nor did he give any thought to sharing his wealth. When death came unexpectedly, the man's earthly riches counted for nothing. He was a “fool” who said in his heart: “There is no God” (Ps 14:1a). Because he was so absorbed in his worldly goods, the man lost sight of God's eternal treasures that had eternal value (Mt 6:20).

Jesus also had something to say to those who had few possessions.  Although Jesus did not tell them to be content with their poverty, he told them not to be anxious or to worry, but to trust in God's providence. He asked them to consider the lilies of the field, the scarlet anemones that bloomed one day and died the next. Wood was scarce in Palestine, and dried grasses and flowers were used as fuel for the oven fire. If God looked after the birds and the flowers, how much more would God care for them?

In Palestine, wealth was often in the form of material goods such as costly garments. But fine clothes could be ruined by a tiny moth. Instead, a person should cloth themselves with honor and goodness, which nothing on earth could destroy. If they sought the treasures of heaven, their hearts would be fixed on heaven; but if they sought the treasures of the earth, their hearts would be tied to the earth. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God." In other words, "Work for things that last forever!" These were the things that were not left behind when a person departed the earth; they would take them into eternity.

REFLECTION:  What are the "barns" I am building to hold my earthly treasures? Would I be ready if the Lord called me home today?

LUKE 12:35-48
KEY VERSE: "Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival" (v 37).
TO STUDY: The early church expected the imminent return of Jesus Christ. In speaking of his "parousia," or second coming, Jesus described himself as a master returning from a wedding who expected to find his servants vigilant on his arrival. Jesus also made the unlikely comparison of himself to a thief in the night. He pointed to the uncertain hour of his return telling his disciples to be prepared whenever he might come. They must be vigilant, ready to open the door when he knocked (Rv 3:20).

Jesus told his disciples a parable about being prepared for his coming even though it would not occur when they expected ("My master is delayed in coming," v 45). The prudent servant did not neglect his tasks while waiting for the master's return. The wicked servants took advantage of the master's absence by indulging in scandalous living and mistreating their fellow "menservants and maidservants" (v 45). They would be severely punished for their misconduct. Jesus reminded his disciples, who would be the future leaders of the church, that they received his instructions and were entrusted with a great responsibility. The faithful servant who watched over the household (the Christian community) would be rewarded when the master returned. Unfaithful servants would be punished for their shameful behavior. Jesus warned these future leaders of the Church that they would be held more accountable than those that acted out of ignorance.

REFLECTION:  Am I a good steward of the treasure and talents the Lord has given me? Do I pray for the leaders of the Church to be faithful and responsible servants?

LUKE 12:49-59
KEY VERSE: "There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!" (v 49).
TO STUDY: As he journeyed toward Jerusalem, Jesus was consumed with a passion to redeem humanity from its sins. He was in anguish until it would be accomplished. John the Baptist foretold that when the Messiah came he would baptize with the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit (Lk 3:16).  This "baptism of fire" would be set ablaze on the cross at Calvary when Jesus was plunged into his death and resurrection. Like the prophet Jeremiah, Jesus was prepared to face the consequences as he spoke God's truth to those who refused to hear it (Jer 38:4-10). Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom was a refining fire that required total commitment from his disciples -- no one could remain neutral (Rv 3:15-16). Jesus demanded radical conversion and total commitment from his disciples. Their attachment to him might even require a separation from family members who did not share their Christian beliefs. Jesus' message was a two-edged sword (Hb 4:12) that would cause dissension even among members of the same family who were either for or against him (Lk 2:34). This dissension was described by the prophet Micah who said that a person's enemies would be those of their own household (Micah 7:6). 

Jesus warned the people that they were facing God's impending judgment, yet they refused to make a decision for or against him. He chastised them for being able to observe weather signs that predicted rain or heat, yet they were ignoring the signs of the coming of God's reign. Jesus told his followers that God's judgment was already taking place. There might be little time left to be reconciled to God and to put one's affairs in order. He said that it would be much easier to settle "out of court" than to face the ominous judgment of Almighty God. At such a time they would be required to pay the full price for their misdeeds. Then they would regret that they did not heed Jesus' words.

Paul understood that baptism was no mere symbolic ritual. In baptism, the Christian died to the old life and was raised to the new life in Christ (Ro 6:4). The rite of the early church demonstrated this truth. Proselytes entered the baptismal pool stripped of their old clothing and were totally immersed in water. When the new Christian came out of the water, he or she was clothed in a white garment, a symbol of having risen with Christ (Rev 19:8).

REFLECTION:  Do I live my baptismal call? Do I share my faith with my family even when I might face rejection?

LUKE 13:1-17
KEY VERSE: "I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did" (v 13).
TO STUDY: In Jesus' time, suffering was seen as a sign of sin. Those whose hoped for a triumphant Messiah who would reestablish Israel in power found Jesus' teaching on the cross difficult to accept. Jesus pointed out recent disasters that people believed to be the consequence of sin. In one incident, Pontius Pilate ordered the cold-blooded massacre of some Galileans when they were offering sacrifice in the Jerusalem Temple at Passover. In another case, several construction workers were accidentally killed when a water tower fell on them. These victims were no more sinful than anyone else, yet they perished, perhaps before they had time to reconcile themselves with God. Although they may have been innocent of any  wrongdoing, they nonetheless suffered the reality of evil in the world. Without faith, these calamities would be seen as terrible tragedies, but with a repen