Minority living<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Luke<\/b> has compiled in his gospel some very endearing and affectionate words, addressed by Jesus to his male and female followers.\u00a0 Frequently, these words go unnoticed usually.\u00a0 Read carefully today, however, from the perspective of our parishes and Christian communities, they take on a surprising relevance.\u00a0 They are what we need to hear from Jesus during these not so easy times for the faith.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cMy Little flock\u201d<\/b> \u2014 Jesus looks with immense tenderness at his small group of followers.\u00a0 They are few.\u00a0 They have the calling heeded to by a few.\u00a0 They do not have to think of grandiose things. \u00a0Jesus imagines them as a little bit of \u201cyeast\u201d hidden in the dough, as small \u201clight\u201d in the midst of darkness, as a pinch of \u201csalt\u201d to add flavor to life.<\/b><\/p>\n
After centuries of \u201cChristian imperialism,\u201d we disciples of Jesus have to learn to live as a minority.\u00a0 It is a mistake to yearn for a powerful and strong Church.<\/b>\u00a0 It is a delusion to seek worldly power or to claim dominance over society.\u00a0 The Gospel is not imposed by force.\u00a0 It is spread, like a contagious disease, by those who adopt Jesus\u2019 lifestyle, making life more human.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cDo not be afraid\u201d<\/b> \u2014 It is Jesus\u2019 great concern.\u00a0 He does not want to see his followers paralyzed by fear or overwhelmed by discouragement.\u00a0 They must never lose hope or peace.\u00a0 Today, too, we are a little flock, but we can remain very united to Christ, the Shepherd who guides us and defends us.\u00a0 He can make us live through these times peacefully.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour Father is pleased to give you the kingdom\u201d<\/b> \u2014 Jesus reminds them of it once more.\u00a0\u00a0 They do not have to feel they are orphans.\u00a0 They have God as their Father.\u00a0 He has entrusted to them his project of the kingdom.\u00a0 It is his great gift.\u00a0 The best thing we have in our communities is the task to make life more fit for human being as well as the hope to direct history toward its definitive salvation.<\/p>\n
\u201cSell your belongings and give alms\u201d \u2014 The followers of Jesus are a little flock, but they must never be a sect locked up in itself and looking out only for its own interests.\u00a0 They must not turn their backs on anyone in need.\u00a0 They will be communities with open doors.\u00a0 They will share their possessions with those in need of help and supportive fellowship.\u00a0 They will give alms, that is to say, \u201cmercy.\u201d<\/b>\u00a0 This is the original meaning of the Greek word.<\/p>\n
We Christians will need some time still to learn to live as a minority in the midst of a secular and pluralistic society.\u00a0 But there is something we can and should do without waiting for anything:\u00a0 transform the climate prevailing in our communities and make it conform more to the Gospel.\u00a0 Pope Francis is showing us the way with his gestures and his lifestyle.<\/b><\/p>\n
Jos\u00e9 Antonio Pagola<\/b><\/p>\n
August 11, 2013
\n19 Ordinary Time (C)
\nLucas 12, 32-48<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"