Daily Reflection Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist

In writing about the life and works of Jesus, St. Luke helps us to understand just who Jesus is. In addition, he communicates a tenderness about Jesus in his interpersonal relationships. Paul tells us that Luke remained faithful to him while they are preaching. In today’s gospel Luke chooses words of hospitality to illustrate Jesus’ sending forth. Notice that Jesus doesn’t tell his disciples to curse those who don’t accept him or his teaching. Instead, Jesus tells those who preach in his name to tend to the unlovable.   

   Let us absorb Luke’s written words as we flesh out what today’s gospel words mean to us. From his own personal relationship with God and deep prayer, the twentieth century African American prophet and mystic, Howard Thurman, in his book, Jesus and the Disinherited, counsels us, “I can sympathize only when I see myself in another’s place.” We cannot spread Jesus’ words of love and compassion if we harbor prejudice and hate in our own hearts. Hatred on an international level begins with hatred in our individual hearts. We are surrounded with the daily news of the horrible bombing in Gaza. In addition, we continue to witness a similar international war in the Ukraine. We view photos of homeless and destitute people in both Gaza and in the Ukraine.

    Howard Thurman continues his reflection on hatred in people’s hearts. He is referring to the negative verbal and physical attacks on the African Americans during the Civil Rights Era in the 60s and 70s. What have we learned from these painful times? Jesus tells us in today’s gospel reading: “I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” In his own prayer Howard Thurman affirms, “During times of war hatred becomes quite respectable, even though it has masqueraded often under the guise of patriotism.”

    Although our home is on a different continent from the wars in the east, we are living at the same time on the same planet. All of us are part of the human race created by a God who loves each of us unconditionally. Let’s take some time these days to sit in silent prayer. This process may be painful. Yet, our relationship with God requires an objective respect for people, a respect devoid of nationality, politics, or faith traditions. Luke ends today’s portion of his writing with, “The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.” By ourselves, this challenge of respect for all people is impossible. But Psalm 145 tells us, “The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.”

To love them (our enemies) means to recognize

some deep respect and reverence for their persons.

But to love them does not mean to condone 

their way of life. Howard Thurman