In the Gospel of Luke, at the end of chapter nine, we read: "When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him." (Luke 9:51)
The statement is not highlighted and can actually be missed unless our attention to detail is particularly well developed. Truth be told, the rest of St. Luke's Gospel must be read with this statement in mind as it marks a shift in St. Luke's narrative. Each statement, each parable, each incident must be read with the realization that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. Of course, we all know what happens there.
Perhaps I could cite one example of how this statement may change our way of interpreting the Gospel. The story of Jesus' visit with Martha and Mary comes after this statement. I am sure that one or the other time we have sympathized with Martha who is busy preparing the dinner while Mary simply sits at the feet of Jesus and listens to him. I would imagine that the housewives in the congregation who have played hostess might particularly line up on Martha's side. However, if someone came to your home who was drawing closer to their own death, would you sit with the person and listen or would you bustle around in the kitchen and dining room getting ready for dinner?
Look at the parable of the Good Samaritan which appears in chapter ten. If you read the story with the realization that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem where he will be beaten, scourged, and crucified, doesn't the poignancy of the care offered by the Samaritan take on an even more powerful meaning. In chapter twenty-three we will read about Simon the Cyrenian who helped Jesus to carry his cross. All of a sudden the story of the Good Samaritan becomes more than just a parable. Interestingly, the parable of the Good Samaritan is peculiar to St. Luke's Gospel!
For the rest of the liturgical year, we will be reading from St. Luke's Gospel. Hopefully we will keep Luke 9:51 in mind as we read and pray with the rest of the Gospel.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator