Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 13:22-30

Through this parable Jesus is trying to tell the listeners that salvation being with the master. Being with the master within the house is salvation. Eating and drinking and being in the company of the master and listening to him while he is out in the world are all good and to be appreciated. But they do not guarantee salvation.

Being with the master in the house and being in his presence and in his closeness is all that matters. For this in this passage the message is to enter through the narrow gate. Entering through the narrow gate implies that only the person enters. All his luggage and all the other possessions cannot be carried through. The person has to shed all the belongings. There is place only for the person in the master’s house.

இன்றைய நற்செய்தியில் மீட்பு என்பது தலைவரோடு இனைந்த வாழ்க்கை. அந்த வாழ்க்கைக்கு பொருள்கள் தேவையில்லை. நபர் மட்டும் போதும். இடுக்கமான வாயில் வழியாக நுழைய வருந்தி முயலுங்கள் என்று சொல்லுவதன் பொருள் அதுவே.

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 6:12-16

Jesus had a group of disciples who followed him always. They were with him wherever he went and listened to his teaching and served him. Whenever Jesus wanted them to go ahead prepare for his coming they went earlier on to prepare for his coming. The seventy two whom he sent probably belonged to this group. There was a sizable number of people who were his disciples.

From among the disciples he chose the twelve apostles. They were for a special purpose. Their choice was preceded by a night-long prayer. Choosing them as apostles was something special. He discerned the will of God and prayed for them as well. When he came down after prayer he named them. This was not so for the disciples. The apostles had a special character.

சீடர்கள் அநேகர் இருந்தார்கள். ஆனால் திருத்தூதர்கள் என்பது இயேசு தேர்ந்தெடுப்பது. அவரது பணி புதிய இஸ்ராயேலை உருவாக்கி அவர்களை இறைவனிடம் ஒப்படைப்பதே.