The parables of Luke 15 often called ldquo The Gospel within the Gospel rdquo epitomize Luke rsquo s message of forgiveness and repentance These motifs appear more frequently in Luke than in any other Gospel Zechariah heralds the coming of the Lord who will bring forgiveness of sin 1 77 an

Eating with Jesus should be a time of healing, which can shock even customary religious sensitivities.

Over the past weeks the readings have alternated between presentations of Jesus as a model of compassion and mercy and as a leader who makes harsh demands of his followers e g entering the narrow gate casting fire on the earth bringing division among families In today rsquo s Gospel the deman

Christians today overly concerned about impressive gates and religious identity may find some surprising table companions at the messianic banquet.

At the end of his magisterial survey of the quest of the historical Jesus in the 19th century Albert Schweitzer recalled Jesus rsquo command to every Christian to follow him and added quot to those who obey him whether they be wise or simple he will reveal himself in the toils in the conflic

This Sunday rsquo s Gospel makes for difficult reading during the quot dog days quot of summer It speaks of things we would rather gently put aside simple lifestyle almsgiving readiness for the return of the Lord faithful use of the time given us and warnings of punishment The beginning of t