Since Jesus is on a "final" journey to Jerusalem with his disciples Luke picks out those lessons which Jesus especially wants to emphasize. The journey occupies almost ten of the twenty four chapters of the Gospel. It can then be regarded as a kind of teaching/learning exercise. Somewhat similarly St Paul shares with us what he learned on his famous journey to Damascus and during his subsequent twenty years in the service of Jesus. Among the many lessons that the disciples and Paul learned was how best they could please God in their lives of action. From today's Gospel we learn one of them.

We learn that in so far as we can we have to put on the mind of Jesus. We need for example to be able to show his concern for those who seem to have strayed from the way on their journey to the Father's heavenly dwelling. Of course we have to be discreet and respectful and not give offence by clumsy or arrogant attempts to "save" or "convert" a relative or friend or fellow worker If we pray for them quietly and continuously and humbly we may be able with a kind of Christ like instinct learn how to be of real but non-offensive help. We may ourselves be changed by the prayer and almost without being aware of it be formed into receptive, positively helpful persons who may draw people to us. Then if we don't know how to be of help ourselves, we may be able to suggest where help can be found.