salvation is for all people

From Safari……

Today we begin a new liturgical year.

The gospel writer Luke will be our primary guide this year. Luke is credited with being the author of the Acts of the Apostles as well. Scholars believe he wrote around 85 AD and was influenced by the gospel of Mark. Luke wrote to a people dispersed throughout the region around Jerusalem.

Unique to Luke are the “lost and found” stories which speak of God’s relationship to us-- a lost coin and the woman who searched for it, a stray sheep and the shepherd who rescued it, a wayward son and the forgiving Father. In Luke alone we meet the unjust steward and the Good Samaritan, the wealthy fool and the importunate friend, the corrupt judges and the persistent widow, the rich man and the beggar Lazarus, the proud Pharisee and the humble tax collector, busy Martha and quiet Mary and little Zacchaeus. Through all these stories Luke emphasizes that God fulfilled all his promises and that salvation is for all people.

Advent can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Through December 16th, Advent begins by focusing of the “will come”. During these days we reflect on the glorious final coming of the Lord. More than a countdown to Christmas, this is a count up to that day that, as Jesus warned us, no one can know but all of us must count on.

The last week of Advent, the prophetic promises become specific and are matched by the gospels.

Mary’s expectation, the Baptist’s mission as herald, and the joy that is ours are highlighted.

Advent calls us to rehearse. We are pilgrims on the move to somewhere else. The routine of life can have us fall into drowsiness. There is always tomorrow.

Against this danger Luke proclaims, be vigilant at all times and pray to have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man. To be vigilant is rehearsing to live in the eternal kingdom by allowing our lives now to be instruments in God’s hands. Midst all the distractions of these days, to take a time out, and listen to God’s voice. With our hearts set on God, we can be the peacemaker, we can bring forgiveness to another, we can welcome a stranger, and we can extend the embrace of comfort. May our hearts be filled with wonder and praise

Fr. Ron