The first reading reminds me that there are God’s expectations/laws
and society’s expectations/laws. It is always reassuring and
comfortable when God’s and society’s laws are on the
same page. Many of us are troubled when there are expectations from
God which differ from societal expectations. Thus a common struggle
for me.
I think the struggle I feel, when society’s laws collide with
God’s laws, is my struggle of trying to figure out how to
change society to better reflect the laws of God. This reading makes
me question what I am doing about atoning for my sins and to consider
what it is I am doing to bring about a greater awareness of God’s
expectations. The idea of church vs. state is obvious, but aren’t
I a part of the state and therefore shouldn’t I be free to
express my desire to have society’s laws reflect my personal
belief systems? “For we consider that a person is justified
by faith apart from the works of the law.”
Luke’s Gospel message, for me, is expressing the idea of a
“New Message.” I believe knowledge comes from looking
at what has been, considering what could be and then acting accordingly.
The Gospel calls me today to consider the past and the consequences
and to consider how a true partnership with God could create a more
loving and fulfilling future for all people. Luke reminds me that,
rather than feel the conflict in the laws of society and the laws
of God I am called to live a life respecting God’s expectations
and to lovingly remind myself and others to work towards a society
that incorporates God’s expectations because, as children
of God we are society.