Encounter with Possessions In Discipleship in Luke – Acts
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Date
2000-02
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
The problem of reconciling possessions with Christian life and the consecrated life
has puzzled me for a long time. I have been looking at it from different perspectives in
order to find the real significance of possessions in Christian life, especially in the
consecrated life. I must say that the lectures in Tangaza College, especially in Scripture and
particularly on the Gospels, helped me to broaden my understanding on this matter.
Therefore, due to my completion of theology and as a result of my reflection I decided to
write the Long Essay on the theme of possessions.
This Long Essay ENCOUNTER WTTH POSSESSIONS IN DISCIPLESHIP IN
LUKE-ACTS, is an exegetical-pastoral work based on what I have learned from the
lectures and the available research on Luke-Acts.
Who is the recipient of this Long Essay? First of all this work is addressed to me
that I might be made more and more aware of my discipleship with Jesus, primarily as a
Christian then as a Salesian of Don Bosco. Second, it should be of great use for all those
Christians who own a great deal of possessions. I intend to make use of what is written in
this paper during my ministry wherever I find myself The message contained in this essay
can be transmitted during my sermons or organised catechesis on possessions. It may help
one to think more about or understand better one's life as Christian. Perhaps it will change
one's attitude towards one's possessions and towards those who are in need. Furthermore it
should be of great use for all those Christians who own anything in their life despite the
measure of their wealth, because sharing is a part of human nature regardless of one's
amount of possessions. This Long Essay consists of three chapters. The first chapter explores the meaning
of discipleship according to Luke. The second chapter considers the aim of possessions,
their danger, goodness and their proper use. Primarily this second chapter contains the
exegesis of some texts and verses, which are enriched with pastoral implications. The third
chapter explores the pastoral implications of Luke's teaching on discipleship and
possessions. It is based on my own reflection and different readings on this issue. The
whole essay will end with a conclusion.
Of course it is impossible to explore fully Luke's teaching on possessions; it
requires a larger number of pages. However, my main aim of this Long Essay is to present
in general Luke's teaching on possessions in light of discipleship, so that it may give
certain guidelines for Christian living, whether it is inside or outside the religious
community.
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Keywords
disciples, Jesus, Poverty, Parable