Please R.S.V.P.

 

Any literal interpretation of Jesus’ words in Luke’s gospel (Luke 14:25-33) would likely challenge the credibility and sensibility of today’s contemporary reader. It’s hard to imagine that the people of Luke’s time were not shaken when they heard the words "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” The family in Luke’s time perhaps more so than today was considered a “sacred union,” a community in essence, without which there would be no real existence.

After all these weeks we finally understand that Luke has a reason for speaking so directly to his audience, who while relatively affluent, was living in difficult times. Luke’s world was not a peaceful one; the Jews and early Christians faced a domination system that threatened their existence. David Steindl-Rast tells us that while the intellect interprets words literally, metaphor speaks through a “poetic” instinct that feels meaning beyond word or language. He suggests that we shoul read the Bible or Gospels as we might read poetry or look at a work of art. Literal translations deny our ability to feel the words that take individual meaning beyond mere intellect. Is this not another way of understanding what we mean when we say and the Word was made flesh? The meaning not the words become part of our being; we don’t just understand what we are reading, we know down deep inside us.

Now back to Luke and Jesus’ invitation, I suppose we can ask for a “rain check” because we are not sure we’re ready or willing at this time to commit. But by saying “maybe later” or “no” to Jesus’ invitation, we are being denied the opportunity to experience the Kingdom of God here and now.

We know that following Jesus is more than passively sitting back and just listening to Jesus’ words.  His words are meant to remove and minimize barriers that get in the way of our faith’s journey. In essence, this is what it means to live in “His likeness” and what it means to be alive and active in the “Body of Christ.”

Living for others through the love of God, is the only way to find joy, peace, and a relationship with God and each other in this world. This is at the heart of Luke’s gospel and at the heart of Christianity.