Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’
(Luke 19:1–10)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The name Zacchaeus means ‘pure’; however, the actions of this wealthy tax collector belied such a name and earned him the title of ‘sinner’.
Jesus addresses Zacchaeus as ‘son of Abraham’, a title usually reserved for those who are holy or pious. Jesus is clearly indicating that Zacchaeus is as good as anyone else.
Jericho lies in the Jordan Valley, just 6 miles north of the Dead Sea, and it has a milder climate than the surrounding barren hills. Herod built a lavish winter palace there.
Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is almost complete. Jericho is the last town he will pass through before he begins his steep ascent to Jerusalem.
Exploring the Word
This text should be compared to the one before it, which includes the story of a rich official who was a righteous man (Luke 18:18–23); however, this story is not included in the Lectionary readings for this year. In that text, although Jesus challenges the rich man to sell all he has and distribute the proceeds to the poor, the rich man cannot give up his wealth. Here, Zacchaeus—also a rich man, but considered a sinner—spontaneously offers to give half his wealth away and make generous restitution to those he has cheated. Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus starkly contrasts his response to the rich man. In his undignified climbing of the tree, Zacchaeus is prepared to make himself look ridiculous to know Jesus. He has humbled himself in the eyes of the crowd, just as the tax collector humbled himself in the temple in last week’s gospel. Jesus not only tells parables but also lives them in reality. He has searched for the lost, and his encounters have led to conversion and salvation.
Have you ever experienced an element of personal embarrassment because you decided to approach Jesus through the catechumenate?
How could a sense of God accepting you prompt change in your life?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Are you anxious to discover Jesus?
How far would you go to discover Jesus?
How do you welcome Jesus joyfully?
Recall an experience in which you were overlooked or felt left out. Alternatively, share an experience in which you were singled out or chosen for something special.
Identify someone you don’t know well but with whom you are acquainted. Try to move past superficial appearances and discover what sort of person he or she really is. Change your relationship with them.
At each Eucharist, we pray: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
Pray this often this week.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Zacchaeus is labelled a sinner, but he repents from his sin and is offered salvation. The Church teaches that the ‘original sin’ of Adam and Eve in the garden was a choice for themselves and against God (CCC, §398), and that their selfish choice has had implications for all humankind (§402). Self-centeredness marks the lives of all human beings to a greater or lesser extent.
You could explore the notion of ‘sinful humanity’ further. It is important to note that sin is not simply a personal choice, and that it can also have a communal or social dimension.
Where are the effects of human selfishness evident in our world?
With repentance comes God’s forgiveness and the restoration of our relationship with him. Within the Church, this forgiveness and restoration is offered through the sacrament of reconciliation.
Where do you experience forgiveness and restoration?
You could introduce the sacrament of reconciliation, if you have not already done so.
Zacchaeus goes out of his way to encounter Jesus—which is the equivalent of presenting yourself for the sacrament of reconciliation. Zacchaeus also acknowledges his sin and offers to make amends—which is the equivalent of confession and penance (see CCC, §§1422–1470).
Consider the structure and prayers of the Rite of Reconciliation and use them as a basis for discussion and questions.
Symbols and images
Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus prompted him to reassess how he lived in the world and how he related to those around him. He repented from his past wrongs, made restitution and entered into a new way of being. His journey is the same one to which baptism into the Church calls all believers
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
How does your community make public demonstrations of faith? For example, does it perform a Way of the Cross through the streets at Easter, a nativity play or a celebration of a feast? Discuss how the wider secular community may perceive such public religious actions. How can catechumens become involved in these activities?
Use the open Scriptures as a focus for prayer. Pray for forgiveness of past transgressions. Pray for each other as you seek Jesus. A suitable song could be Return to God (GA 304). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94K, which speaks of coming to salvation.
Presider
We offer our prayers of petition while trusting in God’s love and mercy for us all.
Reader
We pray for our Church in the communion of all saints. May our shared baptism be the source of our faith as we acknowledge their goodness and strive to live by their example.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
In this month of November, we remember and continue to pray for all the faithful departed. May they find peace in eternal life and be united with the communion of saints.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
In these final weeks of the academic year, we pray for all students who face exams. May they be blessed with results that reward their studies and efforts.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we, like Zacchaeus, rejoice that the Lord has come to our home today.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are sick in our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers. We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they share in the eternal life that Jesus promised.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God of unconditional love, hear our prayers of petition. We are thankful that you accept us completely, and we ask that you continue to shower us with your grace through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Entrance
Amazing grace—AOV1 29, CWBII 450, G 645, GA 437
Be thou my vision—AOV1 9, CWBII 455
Gather as one—AOVNG 48
Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
Gather your people—AOV1 71, CWBII 490, G 837, GA 530
Out of darkness—AOV1 134, GA 504
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Alonso)—in The Lyric Psalter: Year C (ship from GIA)
Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58
Gospel acclamation
John 3:16
Alleluia, Alleluia!God loved the world so much, he gave us his only Son, that all who believe in him might have eternal life. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
Behold, I make all things new—AOV2 85
Change our hearts (Cooney)—G 493, DD (OCP)
Come to the water (Andersen)—AOV1 74, CWBII 473, GA 403
Come to the water (Foley)—AOVNG 34, G 584, GA 403
Hosea (Come back to me)—AOV1 30, CWB 715, G 484, GA 213
I found the treasure—AOV2 22
I heard the voice of Jesus say—AOV1 54, CWBII 512, G 724, GA 468
O God, you search me—AOV2 31, CWBII 572, G 581
Communion
Bread of the world in mercy broken—CWBII 460
Centre of my life—AOV2 170, G 679, GA 444
I have loved you—AOV1 126, CWBII 511, G 588, GA 402
In the breaking of the bread (Hurd)—AOV1 58, G 918, DD (OCP)
Lord, to whom shall we go? (Herry)—AOV1 6, CWBII 549, GA 189, DD (Marist Music, free)
Our Supper Invitation—AOV1 185, GA 202
The fullness of God—AOV2 62
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
As gentle as silence—CWB 621, CWBII 580, GA 470
In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful (Taizé)—AOV2 109, CWBII 522, G 639, GA 429
Joyful, joyful, we adore you—CWBII 528
Sending forth
Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
For the healing of the nations—G 803, GA 513, DD (GIA)
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour—CWBII 212, GA 250
Sing of the Lord’s goodness—AOV1 131, CWBII 601, G 610, GA 413
Song of God’s People—CWBII 534
Though the mountains may fall—AOV1 182, G 689, GA 453
Entrance
Come to the feast—AOV1 151, G 585, GA 400
Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
Great God of mercy—CWBII 126
Our Father, we have wandered—CWB 784, CWBII 297, G 956
Return to God—CWBII 298, G 478, GA 304
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
Yes, I shall arise—CWB 867, CWBII 648, GA 214
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 50 (51): I will rise and go to my father (Boschetti)—CWB 420
Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Haugen)—G 51
Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Pishner)—G 52
Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Willcock)—GA 41, PFS 14
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 5:19
Alleluia, Alleluia! God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
A shepherd I’ll be to you—AOV1 1
A Trusting Psalm—AOV1 115, CWBII 293, GA 455
Bread of the world in mercy broken—CWBII 460
Create in me a clean heart, O God—CWBII 478
Forgive our sins as we forgive—CWB 680, CWBII 120
God is rich in mercy—AOV2 27
Hosea (Come back to me)—AOV1 30, CWB 715, G 484, GA 213
Like a shepherd—AOV1 160, CWBII 538, GA 467
Our Father, we have wandered—CWB 784, CWBII 297, G 956
See, I make all things new—AOV2 7
Communion
Be reconciled as one—AOV1 162
Behold, I make all things new—AOV2 85
Bless the Lord, my soul (Taizé)—AOV2 142, G 620
Gift of finest wheat/You satisfy the hungry heart—CWB 685, CWBII 651, G 940, GA 191
Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
My soul is longing for your peace—CWB 751, CWBII 559, GA 519
Seed, scattered and sown—CWBII 592, GA 195
Shepherd me, O God—AOV1 33, CWBII 597, G 35, GA 24
The name of God (I will take the cup of life)—CWBII 517, G 80, GA 68
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
Amazing grace—AOV1 29, CWBII 450, G 645, GA 437
God of mercy (Manalo)—DD (OCP)
God of mercy and compassion—CWB 692, CWBII 290, GA 302
In the radiance of your gaze—AOV2 9
Your grace is enough—AOVNG 156, DD (OCP)
Sending forth
A new heart for a new world (Create a new heart)—AOV1 158, CWBII 477, GA 43
And the Father will dance—AOV1 113
Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven—AOV1 78, CWB 789, CWBII 588, G 613, GA 392
Sing of the Lord’s goodness—AOV1 131, CWBII 601, G 610, GA 413
With ev’ry mountain—CWBII 646
First reading
Exodus 32:7–11, 13–14 The Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 50(51):3–4, 12–13, 17, 19 R. I will rise and go to my father.
Second reading
1 Timothy 1:12–17 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 5:19 God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us.
Gospel
Luke 15:1–32 There will be rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner.
Images from the Word
Welcome sinners
Rejoice with me
One repentant sinner
This people of yours
Inexhaustible patience
Liturgical notes
Now the centre and summit of the entire celebration begins, namely, the Eucharistic Prayer, that is, the prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. The priest invites the people to lift up their hearts to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving; he unites the congregation with himself in the Prayer that he addresses in the name of the entire community to God the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §78
When the presiding celebrant invites the community members to lift their hearts, it is a profound invitation calling for close attention. Our response, ‘We lift them up to the Lord’, clearly reveals the significant role that the assembly plays in the eucharistic prayer. Without the assembly members lifting their hearts to the Lord, the presider’s prayer is empty of content. His role is to present the assembly’s many gifts to God; however, all members still have to make their own contribution. With these many gifts offered by the community, the presider begins the preface with the affirmation, ‘It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation.’ This rich offering from the assembly members forms the basis from which the presider continues to lead the prayer.
‘How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.’
The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he spoke this parable to them:
‘What man among you with a hundred sheep, losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” he would say “I have found my sheep that was lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.
‘Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” she would say “I have found the drachma I lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.’
He also said, ‘A man had two sons. The younger said to his father, “Father, let me have the share of the estate that would come to me.” So the father divided the property between them. A few days later, the younger son got together everything he had and left for a distant country where he squandered his money on a life of debauchery.
‘When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine, and now he began to feel the pinch, so he hired himself out to one of the local inhabitants who put him on his farm to feed the pigs. And he would willingly have filled his belly with the husks the pigs were eating but no one offered him anything. Then he came to his senses and said, “How many of my father’s paid servants have more food than they want, and here am I dying of hunger! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your paid servants.” So he left the place and went back to his father.
‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. Then his son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found.” And they began to celebrate.
‘Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing. Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about. “Your brother has come” replied the servant “and your father has killed the calf we had fattened because he has got him back safe and sound.” He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out to plead with him; but he answered his father, “Look, all these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed your orders, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends. But, for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property—he and his women—you kill the calf we had been fattening.”
‘The father said, “My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found.”’
(Luke 15:1–32)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
Tax collectors were considered outcasts because the Romans employed them to collect money from the people. They also had a reputation for skimming a profit from their collections.
The Pharisees greatly emphasised ritual purity. Eating with sinners could lead someone to become ‘unclean’, and the person would thus become defiled and unable to observe the law and participate in the ritual life of Israel.
A drachma was a Greek coin, named from the Greek word meaning ‘to grasp’. Its value was roughly equivalent to a Roman denarius.
The parables in this text focus on God’s search for us, rather than our search for God.
Exploring the Word
Today’s gospel includes three parables that focus on the theme of ‘that which was lost being found’. The final parable is the well-known story of the ‘prodigal son’—or, more correctly, ‘the loving father’. The image of God presented in these parables challenges some popular notions of God being omnipotent and removed from his creation. In the parables, Jesus illustrates his own intimate relationship with a God who he knows as Father. The images of a shepherd who is prepared to risk his flock’s safety so he can search for just one lost sheep, of a woman who puts a great deal of time and energy into recovering one small coin, and of a father who wholeheartedly welcomes back a son who has treated him badly express the extravagant love that God has for us all—especially for the lost ones of society. The great moments of rejoicing at the end of each parable highlights God’s unconditional love and his pleasure at our positive response to his invitation to the feast.
How do these three parables either comfort or challenge you?
What have been your own experiences of overwhelming joy?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Have you ever experienced being ‘lost’? If so, how were you found?
Would you leave the ninety-nine to go search for just one? How far are you willing to go to find what you’re searching for?
Share your experiences of events in your life that were cause for great rejoicing or celebration. How did you mark the events?
This week, make an effort to search for someone who may be feeling lost or alone. Help him or her experience God’s love in the kindness you offer.
Today’s collect can be used for your prayer this week: Creator and ruler of all things … grant that I may serve you with all my heart.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The gospels abound with stories of Jesus spending time with, and showing special concern for, those who were considered societal outcasts at the time. This special concern for the poor and the disadvantaged has become a cornerstone of Catholic Social Teaching. The dignity of the human person is founded on the fact that humans were created in the image of God. Human dignity is not diminished by age, gender, economic circumstance, ethnicity or occupation. We are called to work for those in need ‘in ways that neither humiliate them nor reduce them to mere objects of assistance but which help them escape their precarious situation by promoting their dignity as persons’ (Pope John Paul II, Centesimus Annus, §49). Similarly, in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis appeals ‘to everyone throughout the world not to forget this dignity which is ours. No one has the right to take it from us’ (see also CCC, §§1878–1896).
Who are the most distressed and excluded groups in Australian society?
In what ways does the Church respond to the needs of such groups?
Speak about specific ministries that search for the lost and work to enhance their human dignity—such as Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda, St Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy, Ozanam House or the Vinnies Youth food vans.
Symbols and images
The image of God as Father is often used in Scripture, and it conveys both his authority and deep love. Jesus even uses the intimate term Abba (‘Papa’ or ‘Daddy’) when praying. These parables convey the Father’s intimate love for all his children, especially the lost ones.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
How does your community provide for those in need locally? How can the catechumens become involved in these ministries?
As a focus for prayer, you could use images from newspapers or other publications that depict ‘the lost’ of our world. Pray for all those who are excluded or disadvantaged. Pray for each other as you journey towards Christian commitment. A suitable song could be God Has Chosen Me (GA 497). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97I.
Presider
As Moses prayed on behalf of his people, we confidently ask our God of mercy and justice to hear our prayers.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all bishops and priests in their roles as ministers of reconciliation and healing. May they speak with a welcoming heart to all who need trust and goodwill.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all people who are rejected and persecuted. May Christians everywhere hear and respond to their cries for justice.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all people who work with families. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen them in their work, and may their efforts bring peace and happiness to the families who seek their assistance.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all families in our community. In times of division or tension, may they experience the peace that arises from forgiveness and reconciliation.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are ill in our parish and for all who take care of them. We also remember those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they share fully in the glory of God’s promise.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Father, we thank you for the many ways you have blessed us, especially through the gift of our families. We pray to you in the spirit of trust, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Suggested prayers of intercession
We give thanks to God for the life, fidelity, courage and service of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. May her dedication to a life of service to the nation and Commonwealth remain a great example for all leaders. Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the eternal repose of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. May her devout and faithful Christian witness throughout her life reward her with eternal rest with the risen Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the members of the Royal Family who mourn the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. May they receive a loving consolation from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.
(For the new king) We pray for His Majesty, King Charles III. That he may serve the people entrusted to his care with wisdom and dedication. Let us pray to the Lord.
Some liturgy notes
A memorial service can be celebrated for Her Majesty outside the Sunday Mass using Various Commemoration for One Deceased Person in the Roman Missal, pp. 1450–1455.
Readings for funerals can also be used. Choosing appropriate readings should reflect Her Majesty’s life of service as head of state and an exemplary Christian witness.
As a sign of respect for Her Majesty as head of state, flags are to be lowered to half-mast (except the Vatican flag), and except on the days of Proclamation for Australia and in Victoria, when the flags will be raised to full mast. Flag protocol dictates that flags are not flown at half-mast overnight.
In 2014, Pope Francis called on those who work for the wellbeing of seafarers and their families to ‘be the voice of those workers who live far from their loved ones and face dangerous and difficult situations.’
On Sunday 10 July, we celebrate Sea Sunday—a national appeal undertaken by the Catholic Church in Australia each year on the second Sunday in July to raise awareness of the needs of seafarers, those seldom recognised but vital workers who keep our economies going, often at great personal cost to themselves and their families.
Each year, more than 28,000 merchant ships—crewed by more than 300,000 seafarers—visit Australian ports. Stella Maris seafarers’ ministry runs seafarers’ welfare services centres in all the major Australian ports and offers chaplaincy services in many others. Stella Maris Seafarer Centres are places where the stranger is welcomed, and where volunteers assist seafarers to keep in touch with their families.
On Sea Sunday, parishes are encouraged to acknowledge the work of seafarers and pray for their safety. It is also an opportunity to respond to the call to mission that we all share.
To assist parishes to celebrate Sea Sunday, the following resources have been prepared by Stella Maris Australia:
As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.
As they travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus answered, ‘Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’
Another to whom he said, ‘Follow me’, replied, ‘Let me go and bury my father first.’ But he answered, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’
Another said, ‘I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’
(Luke 9:51–62)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The journey is a central theme in Luke’s writings. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is the vehicle for his preaching and for forming the disciples into true followers of Christ.
Luke’s second volume is the Acts of the Apostles. In this book, the journey continues—with the Church taking Jesus' message outward from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
An ancient rivalry existed between the Samaritans and the Jews, and it caused each group to be suspicious of the other. The region of Samaria lay between Galilee in the north and Judea in the south of Israel.
Exploring the Word
This gospel text marks a turning point in Luke’s story of Jesus. In the text, Jesus makes a momentous decision. When the first village he approaches rejects him, the disciples want to punish the village. However, Jesus refuses violence and coercion as a means of conversion. He wants willing disciples! The three brief exchanges that follow in the story outline essential aspects of discipleship: it won’t necessarily be comfortable, it is lived with a sense of urgency, and it requires single-mindedness and sometimes difficult choices to be made. Comfort or family relationships cannot take priority over the kingdom of God, and once one becomes a follower of Christ, there is no turning back. This gospel focuses not only on Jesus but also on all who seek to follow the road that God has set for them.
One character in this text says, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ What made you embark on this journey? Has the road been difficult?
What have you had to turn your back on to continue this journey? Are there still hurdles to overcome?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
You too have resolutely embarked on a journey. How do you feel about where this road is leading you?
What difficulties have you experienced on the road to Christ?
What have you had to leave behind?
Reflect on when you have had to make difficult decisions and choices—perhaps to turn your back on something you value so you can pursue an even greater goal. How did this make you feel? What motivated your actions? Share your reflections.
‘Your duty is to spread the news of the kingdom of God.’ Reflect on the available methods you can use to spread the news of the kingdom of God. Make an extra effort to spread this news this week.
Use this adaptation of this week’s collect as your prayer: O God, you chose us to be children of light. Grant that we may not be wrapped in the error of darkness but always stand in the light of truth.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Throughout history, there were times when the Church forgot Jesus' attitude to forcing conversion to faith. The free will of humanity is at the heart of the Christian story because we are made in the image of God. The freedom to choose is a gift, and it comes with responsibility. God’s revelation is offered freely to all; however, each person must freely choose to accept that revelation with faith. Human freedom underpins the very concept of being made in the image of God, and of being destined for a full and eternal life with God. Just as Jesus freely chose to die on the cross for our liberation, we too have the grace to freely choose what is good.
Discuss this notion of human freedom and responsibility. You will find useful material in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (§1730 and following).
Symbols and images
The true meaning of being a disciple lies at the heart of this text. The imagery of the road, and of Jesus and his disciples having nowhere to lay their heads, reminds us that sometimes discipleship entails discomfort and requires a firm focus on the real prize in life: the kingdom of God and eternal life with him.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
What methods could communities develop to explore human freedom and responsibility more deeply? To whom are we responsible? How does your community manifest that responsibility to others?
You could use the open Scriptures as a focus for prayer and include a brief, informal commitment to continuing the journey to Christ through the Word. A suitable hymn could be The Summons (GA 502). Pray for strength for each other. Conclude with an adaptation of the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94J, which speaks of not looking back.
