“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good people do nothing.” So goes the familiar anecdote. This aphorism suggests how easy it can be to look away from the evils that surround us so that we don’t really even see them. Jesus – and today’s reflection – however, demand that we do, in fact, notice the suffering in our midst: the human beings who have less than they need or deserve. We are reminded, and not so gently, that we are held responsible for that which (and those whom) we choose to ignore.

One of the clearest examples Jesus offers his followers is an expansive table fellowship. It seems that Jesus would eat with anyone. It is ironic and sad, then, that subsequent generations of disciples have struggled so mightily with welcoming people. It is easy to point fingers, but what of our own lack of welcoming? Today’s reflection invites us to consider not only how Catholics and Christians can be more open to others, but also how we might be.

About one-quarter of Luke’s gospel is taken up by Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem where, like the previous prophets of Israel, he is destined to die. Jesus does not pull punches along the way – the journey will be difficult at times, and it will end in suffering and death. However, the journey also offers us hope. If we are willing to change our own direction, we too may walk in the footsteps of the Messiah. Even though we  may not have been with Jesus at the beginning, we always have to opportunity to walk along the Way.