Hope

The city of Jerusalem was demolished by the Romans around the year 70 A.D. It was after that calamity that the Gospel of Luke was written down. So Luke wrote this text in the face of persecution, trials and hostility. He models his text on Mark’s Gospel (Mk 13:1-37).  But Luke’s version of the trials to come is more hopeful.

   

Jesus says that His disciples should not be afraid to give testimony to their beliefs and their way of love. Encouraging them He says: “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” 

We also live in a time of division, conflict, and blame. Just think about our politics!

What can we do?  We can look into people’s hearts and not so much at their politics. We can try to build bridges with others as we look for the common ground. We can affirm people and not focus on what we think are flaws. We can reach out to people and genuinely care for those who live on the margins.  And we can look into our hearts and ask God to help change us too.  

  

What step can you take to build a bridge with someone you see as an unlikely friend?