Chapter 5 Journal

Called to Take Risks

The Gospel of Luke

1.What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!

The one key idea of this chapter is that we are called to take risks. While we studied the Gospel of Luke, we learned how following Jesus involves commitment and taking risks. Mary is a perfect model for us. She was just a young woman when she took the risk to become the mother of God. She was open to God and modeled true discipleship. We receive all of our courage to take risks from prayer. Jesus taught us how to pray in different ways. The more we take time to listen to God, the more we will be open to the transforming power of Christ in our lives and of Christ's liberating presence that can change our society. A great example of risk in love is the parable of the Good Samaratin. The Samaratin man risked a whole lot to rescue the sick man on the side of the road. In this parable, Jesus extends the idea of loving our neighbors to loving even our enemies. Jesus challenges us to see all of our brothers and sisters as children of God.


2.Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.

One key idea I'd like to remember about this chapter is the story of the Transfiguration. Luke's Gospel emphasizes prayer and its importance in our lives. It is through prayer that we discover who Jesus is and what a relationship with him can mean to us. During the transfiguration, Jesus' disciples are told to listen to him. They witnessed the transformation of his appearance and a vision of Moses and Elijah because they stayed awake for a while. Moses was the great liberator of Israel, and Elijah was the powerful prophet of the poor and oppressed. The message of this passage is that the more we take the time to listen to God, the more we will be open to the transforming power of Christ in our lives and of Christ's liberating presence that can change our society. I'd like to remember this story because it is a very interesting passage with a very interesting message.

A second key idea I'd like to remember from this chapter is Mary's willingness to sacrifice for God. When God asked her to be the Mother of God, her response was one of self surrender and trusting faith in God. Mary was confident that there would be a reversal of the social structure with her son. For us, Mary is a symbol that we are called to be God's servants and to carry Jesus to the world. Mary suffered for her willingness to do the will of God. She watched her own son die on the cross. She modeled true discipleship when she followed her son carrying the cross, and when she carried her own cross as well. The example of her life can teach us to trust in and love God. Mary was centered on doing God's will. She asks us to be centered in the same way. I'd like to remember this idea because it would be an exellent reminder of how we should live our lives.


3. One image that captures the chapter for you.




4. One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.

Why would Jesus want to show his disciples Elijah and Moses? I understand that they were important Old Testament figures, but why would Jesus reveal himself with Moses and Elijah? 1