Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 6:12-16

he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles

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.

நற்செய்தி வாசகம்: லூக்கா 6:12-16

அவர் தம் சீடர்களைத் தம்மிடம் கூப்பிட்டு அவர்களுள் பன்னிருவரைத் தேர்ந்தெடுத்து அவர்களுக்குத் திருத்தூதர் என்று பெயரிட்டார்.

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

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 18:9-14

He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were self-righteous and those who despised the others. The metal attitude of these people would also be visible in the way they pray. Their attitude towards their neighbour will exhibit itself in their relationship with God.

They will pride in their life. They will exclude themselves from the rest of the humanity. They will demonstrate and speak out about themselves and their activities. Their prayer is totally self-centred and in their prayer there is no place even for God. They present themselves as gods. But true prayer is in humbling oneself in front o God and asking for his mercy (Mic 6:8)

நற்செய்தி வாசகம்: லூக்கா 18:9-14

தாங்கள் நேர்மையானவர் என்று நம்பி மற்றவர்களை இகழ்ந்து ஒதுக்கும் சிலரைப் பார்த்து இயேசு இந்த உவமையைச் சொன்னார்

தங்களையே நேர்மையானவர் என்று நம்புகிறவர்களுக்கு இந்த உவமை. பிறரை இகழ்ந்து ஒதுக்கி வாழ்பவர்களுக்கும் இந்த உவமை. மேற்கூறிய மனநிலை கொண்டுள்ளவர்களின் ஜெப வாழ்வும் இறைஉறவும் சரியானதாக இருக்க முடியாது.