A Year in Luke/ActsNäide

Let’s reflect today on a key word in Luke’s gospel: “poor.” In his reading in the synagogue, Jesus says he is anointed to “bring good news to the poor.” For Luke, this word is not just about those who do not have a lot of financial or provisional wealth; it is for those who are not at the center of society: for women, children, people who are sick, or possessed by impure spirits. There are even references to people who might actually be quite financially wealthy, like tax collectors (Zacchaeus), as among those who are poor. We will see this theme continue in who Jesus appoints as his disciples, one of whom is a tax collector!